By Cailin Fourie
Not all cannabis is created equal. Some buds are grown with love and care by small-scale cultivators who treat each plant like a masterpiece. Others are pumped out by the kilo in massive warehouses with one goal: quantity over quality.
This is the difference between craft and commercial cannabis. And if you’ve ever wondered why one gram costs R60 and another R120—now you know it’s not just about branding.
Let’s unpack what sets these two types apart, why they matter for your wallet and lungs, and what they mean for your overall experience.
What Is Craft Cannabis?
Think of craft cannabis like small-batch coffee or handmade chocolate. It’s grown on a smaller scale, often by independent cultivators focusing on quality, genetics, and detail. Each harvest is carefully managed—sometimes even hand-trimmed—and you can usually taste, smell, and feel the difference in the high.
These growers often operate with passion rather than profit. They usually experiment with interesting strains, unique terpene profiles, and growing techniques that bring out the best in each plant.
And Commercial Cannabis?
Commercial cannabis is mass-produced. It comes from large-scale operations focused on consistency and driving volume. The buds you get from commercial growers are often grown under stricter timelines, trimmed by machines, and pushed out to meet demand.
It’s not necessarily bad—some large producers do a solid job—but it’s usually more about getting product to shelves than nurturing and growing each plant with love and craftsmanship.
Why Craft Often Tastes Better
Here’s where things get tasty. Craft growers usually cure their cannabis longer. Curing is the process of slowly drying and ageing buds to enhance flavour and potency. It brings out the terpenes—the oils that give cannabis its smell and taste.
With commercial weed, the cure might be rushed. That means the product can smell grassy or harsh and may not have that smooth, full-bodied flavour cannabis lovers appreciate.
So if you’ve ever had a joint that slaps like a Sunday braai, versus one that’s just… meh, you’re probably tasting the care that went into it.
Potency Isn’t Everything
One of the biggest myths out there is that more THC means better weed. Commercial growers often aim for high THC numbers to catch attention, but that’s not the whole story.
Craft growers tend to focus on the full experience—how THC interacts with other cannabinoids and terpenes (what’s often called the entourage effect). This means the high is often smoother, more balanced, and sometimes even more effective, even if the THC percentage is lower.
So, instead of chasing numbers, it’s worth exploring how the product makes you feel.
You’re Supporting Local
In South Africa’s growing cannabis culture, supporting small growers can make a real difference. These are the guys building an industry from the ground up—legally or otherwise—while often taking big personal and financial risks.
Buying craft cannabis means your money is going into someone’s farm, not just a boardroom.
You’re also more likely to get a unique strain or limited drop, rather than the same generic hybrid you see everywhere.
Price vs. Value
It’s true: craft cannabis can cost more. But consider what you’re paying for. Better growing conditions, slower drying processes, and real human attention go into every gram. That’s why a craft-grown joint might hit smoother, last longer, and even require less to get where you’re going.
With commercial weed, you might save upfront, but you often get what you pay for. And if you’re rolling double the amount to get the same effect, are you really saving?
Transparency and Trust
Craft growers are usually open about how they grow—whether it’s organic soil, living microbes, or natural pest control. Many even include batch notes, lab results, or origin info.
Commercial producers, on the other hand, often treat cannabis like a commodity. Labels can be vague, and it’s not always clear where or how the plant was grown.
If knowing what goes into your body matters, this transparency can make all the difference.
What to Look for When Buying
If you’re at a dispensary, market, or ordering online, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
Smell: Craft weed usually has a strong, unique aroma. If it smells bland, that’s a red flag.
Structure: Hand-trimmed buds will often have a natural, tidy shape. Machine-trimmed ones might look choppy or have missing trichomes.
Stickiness: A fresh, healthy bud should be slightly sticky, not bone dry.
Packaging: Craft growers often use simple, thoughtful packaging. Avoid anything overly flashy or plastic-heavy.
And if the seller can’t tell you much about the product, that’s usually a sign that it came from a commercial batch.
Which One Is “Better”?
That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on a tight budget and need something reliable, commercial cannabis has its place. But if you’re after flavour, experience, and ethical sourcing, craft cannabis is likely the better fit.
It’s the same difference between a home-cooked meal and fast food. One fills you up; the other feeds your soul.
Final Toke
South Africa’s cannabis scene is in an exciting place right now. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just a casual smoker, understanding the difference between craft and commercial cannabis gives you more control over your choices.
Next time you light up, ask yourself—not just how high you want to get, but how good you want the experience to be.