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The Proper Score, Explained
Learn by Proper Staff
Nov 07, 2018 · 5 min read

It’s no secret weed can be complicated. That's why we made it our job to un-complicate it.

We launched Proper with one goal in mind: Test every legal cannabis product in the country to find you the best products for every situation. As it turns out, that’s a lot more difficult than it sounds. Tough work, we know, but someone has to do it.

Knowing user-generated rating systems are kind of useless (“Free sample for a 5-star rating!”) and cannabis “judges” are often paid to promote their sponsors, we realized we’d have to do something a little unique to create a truly authentic system for rating products.

So we made an app designed to assess their experiences with each product, formulated a panel of experts in each state, and created a scoring system for every type of cannabis product out there. The outcome, we hope, will create a trustworthy way of discovering not only the best products in the cannabis space, but highs that feel uniquely tailored to you.

We Formed A Committee

The Proper Cannabis Committee (PCC for short) is a group of passionate industry insiders and experts. They are growers, extractors, budtenders, and influencers who live, eat, sleep, and breathe all things cannabis. Made up of a group of 55+ strong from around the country, PCC members keep a collective finger on the pulse of all-time classics, new go-to's, and plain, old wastes of money.

A Deeper Understanding with DeepSearch

Since no two products are the same and every cannabis product affects its user slightly differently, we knew a simple scorecard wasn’t going to cut it. After countless hours of researching and probing the industry's biggest brands, we landed on the solution and developed DeepSearch.

DeepSearch is our proprietary rating app used to track and evaluate over 60 data points per rating session. We're talking about cataloging key product attributes like aroma, flavor, and smokability to understanding the effects felt and overall experience with the product. All of this data is compiled into our database and used to help generate a final score.


What Goes Into The Score
It’s All Legal

The Committee only rates branded, compliant products that have been lab tested and are for sale through licensed retailers in their state.

Rate What They Know
No one can be an expert in everything, especially when it comes to weed. So we recruited experts for each type of cannabis format there is. These “beats” help our raters immerse themselves in specific product categories and grow authority on the formats they know best. Beyond that, we pair products with Committee members who represent the typical consumer of the product. Case in point: We aren’t giving low-dose edibles to the resident concentrates buff.

Tracking Everything
Every time a Committee member rates a new product, we use DeepSearch to track everything from the aromas they smell to the body and head high they feel—even what they are up to along the way. These rating sessions last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on the type of product.

The Score

After at least three Committee members have logged rating sessions, DeepSearch compiles all of the data, analyzes it, and spits out a score. Neither us nor the Committee members know the score until that moment, and no one can change or override the outcome.


Breaking Down The Score

A quick guide to our scores, and a few can't miss products that fall in each of the more favorable ranges. 

0-60: Don’t Bother
If you want to waste your money, these products are ideal. No matter how you spin it, our Committee agrees these aren’t worth your time.

60-70: Toss-Ups
We all know weed affects everyone differently. With these products, some Committee members like ‘em and some really don’t. A 63 won’t be the worst high you’ve ever had, so if these are in front of you, you might as well partake.

70-80: Go-Tos
These are the crowd pleasers, the consistent deliverers of quality highs. These staples are the products you’ll always appreciate having around.

80-90: Must-Haves
You’re gonna want to try these, and once you do, you will be angry every product you’ve ever tried is not one of these. Buy two for good measure.

90-100: All-Stars
The 3 Michelin Star, Michael Jordan of Weed products. If you’re looking for something to brag about to your friends, you’ve come to the right place. Buy the lot if you find them, as they don’t stay on shelves very long.


The Proper Amount, And How To Make Your Opinion Count

As of press time, the Committee has spent over 60,000 hours rating products, resulting in over 4,000 scores. We're proud of the progress we've made demystifying the cannabis shopping experience, but we've still got plenty of work cut out for us. Stumble on a product you wish had a score? Feel free to tweet or DM us at @aproperhigh so we can get the Committee on it. They'll be glad you reached out.

And beyond helping call our attention to products we've yet to rate, our new Community Ratings and Reviews offer a new and impactful opportunity to make your voice heard in the greater cannabis conversation.



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