In farming, nothing is wasted. Just like the “ugly” tomatoes at the farmers market taste just as sweet as the perfect ones, THCa smalls carry the same quality and flavor as any top cola on the plant. They just happen to come in smaller packages. For growers, smalls are a natural and expected part of cultivating craft THCa flower. For customers, they’re one of the smartest ways to access premium cannabis without the premium markup.
Where THCa Smalls Come From
Smalls appear throughout the harvest and handling process:
- Side branches naturally produce smaller buds than the main colas.
- Wet bucking can break loose popcorn-sized buds, even from the tops.
- Dry trimming knocks off little nuggets while cleaning up the flower.
- Final touch-ups during packaging create extra smalls that don’t make it into big-bud jars.
Each step leaves us with smaller nugs — but not lower quality. They’re still resin-rich, terpene-heavy, organically grown THCa flower, just shaped differently by the work of the farm.
🌱 Farmer’s Note
Tucker, Lucky Elk’s founder, spent years selling organic vegetables at local markets. He learned firsthand how much appearance and presentation matter — but also how much value conscious consumers can find when they embrace “imperfect” produce. Smalls carry that same truth: the quality is still there, even if the buds don’t look picture-perfect.
Smalls vs. B-Buds
While people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, they’re not quite the same:
Smalls are simply smaller-sized buds. At Lucky Elk, our smalls are consistent and uniform — compact nugs that are easy to work with and offer the same potency as larger buds.
B-Buds are more of a mixed category. They include smalls, but also irregularly shaped nugs and odds-and-ends from trimming and handling.
Both categories deliver value, but smalls are not “scrap” — they’re clean, uniform, and carry the same genetics and terpene profile as top-shelf THCa flower.
👉 You can find both products in our Smalls Collection.
Why Smalls Deserve Respect
From a farmer’s perspective, smalls represent the whole harvest being honored. They:
- Deliver value: premium THCa flower at a lower price point.
- Offer utility: perfectly sized for pre rolls, blunts, and everyday smoking.
- Support sustainability: reducing waste and making sure every bud has a purpose.
Choosing smalls means respecting the plant, the farm, and the craft behind the harvest.
Respect the Whole Plant
As growers, we know that smalls are not leftovers — they’re part of the story of every plant. They reflect the reality of hands-on cultivation and the commitment to bringing every customer the best flower possible. When you choose THCa smalls, you’re choosing the same top-shelf experience at a price that makes sense, while honoring the work that goes into every harvest.
Fresh 2025 Light Dep Smalls
Every season brings a new expression of THCa smalls, and our 2025 light-deprivation harvest is no exception. These buds carry all the intensity of summer sun, finished with the precision that light dep growing allows — producing resin-rich flowers in a smaller, more approachable size.
This year’s THCa Everyday Sungrown lineup includes:
- Blunicorn
- Gush Mintz
- Ice Cream Cake
- Jelly Breath
- Peak 112
- Biscotti Pancake
- Cereal Milk
- Flapjacks
- El Chivo
- Cookies n Cream
- Permanent Marker
- Lemon Cherry Gelato
- Gluttony
Each strain brings its own terpene fingerprint, but every one of these smalls shares the same craft care and organic inputs as our top-shelf flower. They’re proof that light dep cultivation can deliver both quality and value, all in compact, flavorful nugs.
FAQ: THCa Smalls
Are THCa smalls lower quality than big buds?
No. Smalls are the same genetics, potency, and terpene profile as full-size buds. The difference is size, not quality.
How are smalls different from B-Buds?
Smalls are just smaller buds, usually uniform in shape and size. B-Buds are a mix of smalls and irregularly shaped pieces from trimming and handling.
Why are THCa smalls cheaper?
Because of their smaller appearance, smalls are priced more affordably — but they deliver the same smoking experience.
What’s the best way to use THCa smalls?
They’re ideal for pre rolls, blunts, and everyday bowls. Many customers prefer them for convenience and value.
Closing
At Lucky Elk, we believe every bud matters. THCa smalls aren’t a compromise — they’re a chance to enjoy craft-grown cannabis at its most accessible. Respect the plant. Respect the farmer. Respect the smalls.
