Blessings come in many forms. Sometimes they’re initiated and planned by us through the ending or the completion of something. Those are easily seen as blessings. However, sometimes we don’t see or plan the endings/changes and those aren’t as easily perceived as blessings. Either way, the endings/changes can leave you feeling jarred, even if it in reality, those endings are actually opening you up to new possibilities. In reality those endings/changes will turn out to be blessings.

And, so another week begins filled with expected and unexpected changes.

And, although my weed strain choices change every week, depending on my mood, energy and the tasks at hand, they always open me up to new possibilities and new ways of being. My first transforming strain was Hawaiian Gold. Hawaiian Gold is a sativa dominant hybrid, although the exact ratios are not known. Even though it’s lineage is not super clear, this strain seems to be a cross of Pineapple, an indica-heavy hybrid, and Super Lemon Haze, a powerful sativa.

Visually this strain is stunning and reminded me a lot of Acapulco Gold, with bright green buds with light amber hairs. The taste of Hawaiian Gold is smooth, earthy, and somewhat like “Juicy Fruit” gum. . The aroma also has earthy notes, along with a sweet floral smell like Juicy Fruit Gum. The effects of this strain are just like you want a sativa to be-immediate uplifting of your mood and energy without shakiness. In fact, I actually did a little dance after consuming! This strain just promotes an overall sense of euphoria! But, just like all the other hybrid strains, consume too much and you may just float off to sleep. Medicinally, this strain has enough CBD and THCV to provide fast and effective relief for various ailments including headaches, migraines, and fibromyalgia. I am lucky that I have none of those ailments. But, this strain is really good for whatever ails you.

The next strain that I choose was Tangerine Dream. Tangerine Dream is a sativa dominant hybrid created by the legendary cannabis breeders at Barney’s Farm, by crossing G13, Afghani, and Neville's A5 Haze. That lineage resulted in a potent strain, which won top prize in the 2010 High Times Cannabis Cup.

Tangerine Dream has large, chunky green and amber buds that are heavily covered in sticky trichomes, which in this day and age of “hydro” weed is very rare to find. Unsurprisingly with a name like Tangerine Dream, this strain has a sweet, orange, citrusy flavor which is very pleasing to the palate. Its fragrance is similarly citrusy sweet, but combined with a dank, pungent, earthy, aroma.

Its effects are just as bright and brilliant as its appearance- uplifting, instilling a feeling of happiness and euphoria followed by a more mellow and focused mindset. This positive effect on mood makes Tangerine Dream a useful drug for those who suffer from mood disorders such as depression. Tangerine Dream is also useful for treating chronic pain and inflammation, making it a great strain of choice for those with arthritic pain. Its ability to relax the body also helps to ease muscle pain. Tangerine Dream is exactly what I needed on a sunny Sunday in May. I bet it would even help on a cloudy day in June!