Fact Checked by Doctor Name“Nug” is a slang term used by cannabis enthusiasts to describe the bud structures that form on cultivated female marijuana plants.
Nug is short for the word “nugget,” which refers to these small, broken-off buds that are ready for use.
What is a Nug?
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A nug is a mature, developed bud that has been cut from the marijuana plant in preparation for curing, distribution, and consumption.
Nug size can range dramatically but is generally on the smaller side for easy handling – from tiny popcorn buds to larger colas.
The anatomy of cannabis flowers means that nugs are densely packed with trichomes, the crystalline structures containing therapeutic cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Good quality nugs will also retain a fair amount of small leaves to protect trichomes. Fresh nugs have a strong aroma.
Is it a Nug, Cola or Bud?
There are a few key differences between nugs, colas and buds:
- Nugs are individual, small buds that have been trimmed from the marijuana plant stalk.
- Colas are the large, main bud clusters still attached to the plant stalk. Colas are composed of smaller nugs.
- Buds refer broadly to any flower growth on the plant containing trichomes – this can apply to both nugs and colas.
So in summary:
- Colas are large branches of attached buds still growing on the stalk.
- Nugs are the smaller individual or popcorn buds that have been cut from the colas.
- Bud is an umbrella term for all flower structures, including nugs and colas.
