What is Weed Shake? Convenient, Affordable, Wildly Inconsistent

Posted 05/13/2024

Shopping at a dispensary as a beginner might involve learning new terms and verbiage. A category of cannabis commonly seen in dispensaries is “shake”. This article will explain the term “shake”, its origins, and the way it is being used (and abused) by your local cannabis dispensaries. Shake can be a great choice if you’re looking to save a few dollars on cannabis flower. Shake can also save you time since it does not require any grinding. There are downsides to this product, however. Shake has an increased vulnerability to drying out. Another concern is that some companies are tainting the category by cutting their shake with trim and stem bits. The quality of dispensary shake varies wildly. I have personally experienced Chicago dispensary shake with quality so low, it could be considered un-smokeable. Together, we will weigh the pros and cons of shake, and learn how to mitigate the risks of buying a bad shake.

Origins at the Bottom of Your Dealer’s Ziplock Bag

When modern pot users picture their weed, they picture small to large sticky nuggets, or “nugs”. This makes sense. Pot grows directly on the stems of weed plants in large clusters that growers call “colas”. These colas easily break down into large and small nugs before being cured and sold. However, in the process of breaking down these colas and nuggs, small “crumbs” can fall off. Shake is the product of collecting these “crubs” after bud processing. Shake can also accumulate in the places that nugs are stored, such as jars or bags. Shake can be just as potent, if not more potent than whole nuggs. In spite of this fact, nugs are more valued on the market for their better resistance to drying out and their look. What stoner doesn't appreciate an absolute Christmas tree of a nug? Due to this fact, shake is almost always sold at a slight discount. Although the exact origin of the term “shake” is hazy (pun intended), prohibition pot dealers have likely been using the term since the 90’s, or the dawn of ubiquitous quality large-bud Marijuana. Before that, most marijuana in America was grown outdoors by Mexican cartels, who sold the plants to be smoked mostly whole. Seriously, look at High Time’s top cannabis strains in the 70’s. Just yikes.

Cannabis Industry Adopts the Black Market Term “Shake”

In the mass transition from black market dealers to dispensaries, the legal weed industry has adopted black market terminology. Why reinvent the wheel, right? State licensed cannabis producers see the same benefit in selling shake at a discount that the black market dealers did. The major difference now, is that the shake in dispensaries is only the byproduct of Marijuana production and is no longer just the “bottom of the bag”. Now, shake is initially packaged and labeled shake. Shake might be sought out by those who do not have a grinder, or do not want to grind their own weed due to the similar consistency of shake to ground bud. Shake also works well for those looking to use their weed for cooking. It can be a real hassle to grind half an ounce of dank buds for an infused butter or oil.

In legal states with higher weed taxes, or price gouging enabled by under-licensing (cough cough ILLINOIS), users are way more likely to take advantage of the discounts that shake can offer. Shake must be the perfect solution for penny-pinching stoners, right? Well, not exactly. While most Cannabis companies sell quality shake, others use it as a medium for selling less desirable flower. Some seem to cut their shake with another type of marijuana processing byproduct; trim.

Trim is the collection of trimmed sugarleaf, or small cannabis leaves that grow on the buds of cannabis plants. Not to be confused with the more recognizable cannabis “fan leaf”, sugar leaves are smaller and do contain psychoactive Trichomes. In spite of this, trim is usually only used in edible production, as the leaves are harsher to smoke than buds. I have found many dispensary shakes cut with trim-y bits of sugarleaf and microstems. To be fair, some local cannabis producers label their products “shake with trim”, while many deceivingly only label their product “shake”.

Hot Dog Shake

The very first time I stepped foot in a cannabis dispensary was October of 2022, shortly after having moved to Chicago. I had since avoided dispensaries for their high prices, however I thought I could compromise and save a little money by buying shake. I purchased 7 grams of the strain “burnt toast” by Nature's Grace and Wellness. My excitement to try my first “dispensary quality” weed bought by myself was quelled when I smoked it. It was so dry as to render it practically unsmokable (the name “Burnt Toast” should probably have been a red flag to me). I quickly understood why it was on sale in the first place, however that did not excuse the principle in my mind. I have never met a black market dealer with the audacity to sell any weed THAT low in quality, sunnyside and Nature’s Grace were happy to do so with a squinty-eyed smile. My trust in dispensaries as a whole immediately sank even deeper, and it wouldn't be for another few months that I would give them another chance. That profoundly negative experience angered me, frankly, but it helped empower me to start this blog.

Since the “burnt toast” experience, I have had some superb shake. Notably, Mandarin Zkittles by Simply Herb was one that really impressed me with its potent, unmistakable orange aroma and blissful indica high. I have also had many shakes with disappointing qualities. I have seen a persistent issue with shakes seemingly cut with bits of trim, or sugarleaf bits trimmed close to the buds. Please note, I do not have any proof of this other than my personal experience, however also note that I have never seen black a market shake that was nearly as suspicious as some of these shakes coming out of Chicago Dispensaries. I have since coined a term for these questionable dispensary shakes that I encourage everyone to proliferate: Hot Dog Shake.

“What’s in this, anyway?”

“Dont worry about it, just eat”

The following images help illustrate my point. The first is a normal quality shake by Easy Toke. Notice it looks like freshly ground nugs, ready to pack in your bowl, joint, or blunt. The second photo is of a Hot Dog Shake from Simply Herb. Green and brown leafy flakes as well micro stems clearly litter this shake.

The difference is not only visual. Smoking these leafy hot-dog shakes is a much harsher experience than smoking buds. Since these products are also sold to patients, this disregard for minimal quality standards is concerning, but not surprising. Drug dealers have been cutting their products for extra profit since the beginning of drug dealing, why should legal dispensaries be different if they can get away with it.

Black market dealers would not get away with it in my experience. They would have to answer to customers for shoddy quality because customers had an opportunity to voice their complaints directly with the person in charge. Black market dealers also faced more competition than Illinois dispensaries. Another reason that dispensaries seem to be getting away with questionable quality shake is that packaging laws in Illinois make it next to impossible to see or smell your pot in person before you purchase it. Most dispensary websites in Chicago do not even let users comment or rate any products for future buyers.

How to Avoid Dispensary “Hot-Dog” Shake

For those looking to ensure your shake’s quality before purchase, I would recommend waiting until arriving at the dispensary to place an order, and asking for assistance . Try to go when the dispensary is less busy, if you can. The bud-tenders will usually be more than happy to answer your questions about each product. They can also give you recommendations of products they have tried themselves or have heard good things about. They might not have tried every strain or product that the dispensary offers, but they will be the most knowledgeable. If you do not have the time to spend at the dispensary, you can also call the dispensary while placing your order ahead of time with any questions on the products you are looking at.

Next, try to shop at dispensaries with on-page reviews of each product. Not every dispensary website will include reviews. This is an area in which Chicago dispensaries as a whole can improve. Ascend, Zenleaf, NuEra, KarmaKlub, Nature’s Care, Sway, And Cannabist are all Chicago Dispensaries that let users leave reviews. Keep in mind, many products on review-friendly websites may not have a review yet depending on how new or popular the product is.

One way you might suspect to weed out bad shake is to look at the test reselts and THC percentage. However, in my personal experience I have bought shake labeled 25+% THC when the actual product turned out to be low-quality. One theory I have is that the shake may be getting labeled with test results from an ideal fresh nug of the same strain, instead of being tested as a shake. I have reached out to Simply Herb for clarification as to how their shake is tested, but received no reply.

Another good piece of advice that I can give is to stick with the products that you have already tested and know are quality. Be careful not to fully trust a brand as whole until you have sampled a decent sized pool of their products. I have found that shake from Simply Herb, for example, can be hit and miss.

What Should You do if you Purchased a Bad Quality Shake?

Unfortunately, most dispensaries in the Chicago area do not accept returns with many citing the law, and safety concerns as reasons. However, Illinois does allow dispensaries to take returns, it just does not force them or gives them any guidelines. In fact, if a dispensary wants to implement a return system, they have to seek state approval of their proposed system. With little motive or regulation forcing dispensaries to take returns, and the extra red tape involved, these businesses are all choosing to skip returns altogether. After all, it hurts profits.

If you are stuck with a non-smokable shake, a great last resort can be to make and store canna-butter or canna-oil. These can easily be stored for long periods of time, and can be used in countless types of dishes. Remember it is illegal to resell dispensary products in most states.

Illinois Needs Better Cannabis Oversight

Illinois’ problem with ‘Hot Dog Shake” is not going to go away without better regulation and oversight. There is no standard on the proper processing and labeling of shake, leaving room for abuse. As Illinoisans and stoners, we are responsible for continuing the conversation on quality control for the cannabis industry, and using the power of the ballot to elect officials who prioritise the health and safety of cannabis users and patients.