Our favorite Cannabis strains and why they may be yours too!

The world of legal cannabis is just about to explode here in Southern California! Check back with us weekly to find out what we learned, tasted, smoked, ate and vaporized and what you should definitely try!

December 17th Cannabis Strains of the Week:

As we begin to count down the days of this year, I continue to find new strains to try and of course to write about. This week’s strains will both feed your sweet tooth and show you the sweet side of life.

The first strain Trifi Cookies , is a highly sought after clone only strain, which was created by crossing Triangle Kush x Wifi x Girl Scout Cookies. Those three strains alone are weed royalty-strong indicas and sativa thrown in there. All this mixing, results in a really tasty, sweet, sugary delicious delicacy that will bring a smile to your face almost instantly. A smile that will stay with you all day.

In addition to the flavor of Trifi Cookies, the aroma is also sweet and very similar to it’s parent Girl Scout Cookies. It’s effects however are much more aligned with its parent Triangle Kush, a hard hitting indica that is a definite couch locker if you consume too much of it. And although this strain wasn’t the most beautiful that I have ever seen, its bright orange hair and dense buds do the job that they were intended to do-chill you out and make you happy. And, that is exactly what this genetically crafted cannabis did for me. If you can find this strain, pick it up and use it when you’ve got some time to laugh and truly experience how sweet life is.

The next sweet treat that I tried this week was Creme Brulee. Crème Brule is a rare indica dominant hybrid strain (80% indica/20% sativa) created through crossing the classic Platinum Kush X OG Kush X Girl Scout Cookies strains. Crème Brule is known for its sweet vanilla and nutty taste and its aroma follows the same profile, sweet with some earthy woods and sweet herbs. In addition to it really delicious flavor, it’s effects are also pretty sweet, if you moderate your intake.

With your first toke you will be mentally uplifted and your body will become relaxed. As you continue to consume, the body relaxation progresses to a full blown body buzz and finally with one more toke, it could be you may need to say goodnight moon.

Because of it’s total relaxation power and yet mood elevation, Crème Brule is often chosen to treat conditions such as depression, appetite loss or nausea, chronic stress or anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and chronic fatigue. Again if you can find this highly crafted, sugary sweet treat of a strain, buy it and use it as a dessert after a long day because you deserve it.

December 10th Cannabis Strains of the week:

As we come to the end of our last month of 2018, I have begun to look back at the strains, which I have consumed and subsequently wrote about during 2018.

As I looked back, I found a couple of strains that are usually readily available at most dispensaries and never go out of style. And, are always on my heavy “rotation” list.

The first strain which always is on my rotation list is Lamb’s Bread, also known as Lamb’s Breathe, perhaps mistakenly but that’s too murky for me to get into right now. This strain is a legendary Sativa strain that was popularized by Reggae musicians, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Lamb’s Bread (or Jamaican Lambsbread) has a mysterious lineage, but it is believed to be a landrace strain with origins from Jamaica.

The batch of Lamb’s Bread that I got to choose from this week was visually stunning-filled with tight green nugs with a plethora of orange hairs and a nice coating of trichomes. It’s flavor and aroma are distinctive-spicy and skunky with floral notes that waft through your room, making you feel the cool Jamaican breezes of its homeland and the chill vibes of Bob Marley’s banjo.

Its effects are classic sativa-uplifting and energizing and yet no jumpy nor Jacky. Upon your first tokes your brain will be activated and you will be given the gift of laser focus that lasts a long time. For all of those reason this strain is used in the treatment of ADHD, depression and PTSD-all of which I have overcome with a little help from my frequent friend and favorite strain, Lambs Bread.

The next strain I have never written about but has always been around either in my vape pen or presented in dab form at several cannabis events that I did last year. It is Strawberry Cough- a sativa-dominant hybrid rumored to come from North America. There is also another line of Strawberry cough, which was created by crossing Strawberry Fields and Haze. I am not certain the exact genetics of the strain I choose but I am certain that its flavor and aroma was all strawberry. And, although it may not be the most beautiful bud in the place, it sweet intoxicating sweet berry aroma and it’s flavor is all strawberry make up for its average appearance.

When consumed, its smoke is very thick and as it namesake says, almost instantly triggers coughing. And, as you are coughing you also may begin to grin from ear to ear and even giggle! Strawberry Cough induces happy cerebral high, boosts your creativity, energizes mind and your body. It might however if you continue to consume cause slight haze effect, followed by appetite boost, mild munchies and mild couch lock.

I was careful to keep monitor my consumption and I never got locked into the couch just a quirky smile and an upbeat attitude. If you are a sativa lover and you see this strain, pick it up and you will discover strawberry fields forever!

December 3rd Cannabis Strains of the week

Wow, we are in December, the last month of this year and it’s time to begin to wrap up 2018 and look towards a new year in a very new way. It's been an intense year for me and for most of the people that I know. From crazy eclipses to never-ending retrogrades, 2018 took us on a roller coaster of energetic emotions.  It is from that roller coaster of emotions that I have grown and change in profound ways.

My choices however for my cannabis strains, however, remain pretty much the same. The first strain that I choose this week was Artic Blue Dream. Arctic Blue Dream is a very balanced sativa dominant hybrid, created by crossing my favorite, Blue Dream and Arctic Blue. Arctic Blue is a 60/40 slightly indica dominant hybrid, created by crossing DJ Short Blueberry and Blueberry strains. The blending of these two well balanced hybrids results is an extra berry- licious flavor and aroma.

Arctic Blue Dream is visually stunning and it’s flavor is packed with berries, fruitiness and some late notes of skunk. It’s effects are very similar to those of Blue Dream- offering a powerful and cerebral buzz, which will lighten your mood and raise your spirits. I am told that it is a great aphrodisiac. I, alas, cannot verify or testify to that fact! Just like Blue Dream this strain is used for anxiety, chronic pain, nausea, stress and in fact almost anything that ails you. This is the first time that I have run across Blue Arctic Dream, and if I can ever find it again, it will be one that worth another try!

As mentioned before, this year brought me great challenges-one of them being sleep. So, I have come to depend on some pretty heavy indicas to escort me off to the sleepland. This week’s sleep strain of choice was Black Magic Kush, Black Magic Kush (also known just as Black Magic) is a heavy handed indica strain, which was exactly was I was looking for. The origins of this strain remains unknown and I’m told that this strain is difficult to find anywhere else except right here in San Diego.

Despite it’s unknown genetics, it may be one of the most beautiful strains that I’ve seen in a long time with big beautiful green buds with vibrant orange trichomes. Black Magic Kush nugs have a distinct aroma, a mix of coffee, berries and chemicals.  It’s effects are just like an indica with a notable body high that starts as a buzz, then leads to a deep relaxed state, followed by couch lock and sleep-the effects that I absolutely were desiring. This strain is great for any free floating anxiety and is an excellent sleep aid. If you can find this strain and you want to be hit by a train, pick it up and see what I mean.

November 26th Cannabis Strain of the week:

I am so thankful for so many things in my life today and I know that I am blessed beyond my fondest dreams! Speaking of dreams, one of things that made me really thankful was the Tangerine Dream that I picked up last week to consume on Thanksgiving day.

Tangerine Dream, the winner of the 2010 High Times Cannabis Cup, is a sativa-dominant hybrid (70/30) , which is renowned for its flavor of none other than-tangerines. This sativa dominant strain was crafted by Barney’s Farm by crossing G13, Afghani, and Neville's A5 Haze and it’s taste and aroma are just like peeled tangerines. It’s flavor is just like tangerines and it’s effects are quite similar to Tangie-uplifting, invigorating-like taking a big breath of sunshine.

However, like many other hybrids, the more you consume of this strain the more the Haze starts to take over. And, although I did not experience it, I’m told that you can be taken down by the other indica strains (Afghani and G13) if you’re not careful with that sunshine. Because of that fine balance between euphoria and couch lock this strain is said to be effective in controlling pain, promoting sleep and stimulating appetite. It is also said to cause some amount of paranoia if large amounts are consumed. That however was not my experience. I just liked this strain for its flavor, effects and its outstanding appearance. I am thankful to have had Tangerine Dream to make me even more thankful this Thanksgiving.

November 19th Cannabis Strains of the week:

These days life feels very random to me with lots of unexplained people, places and things , entering my life for no apparent reason. And, just as my life mirrors my weed choices, my choices this week were random, at best. My first strain was a truly educational and mind expanding one. Harambe! Harambe, an indica dominant hybrid, was developed by Colorado’s The Ethos Collective and was named after the 17 year old gorilla that was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016 to prevent him from attacking a child that had fallen into his habitat enclosure. That act inspired many protestors who argued that there was no need to kill the animal, claiming that he was actually trying to take care of the boy. Ethos has made its sale a testament to Harambe’s memory, donating 10% of proceeds to no-kill Colorado animal shelters.

Whatever your views on what happened to Harambe this strain will have you in awe of the craftsman who crafted this cannabis strain. The Haramabe strain is a cross of Gorilla Glue #4 x Citral Skunk x Black Fire so you can bet this strain has some “sticking” power-leaving you stuck to the couch, after a couple of good puffs. This strain was covered with a thick coat of icy white trichomes and its aroma was diesel and skunk, as well as it’s flavor. Initially, this strain caused a nice head buzz with body relaxation but upon more consumption, it was time to find my bed or at least a couch. If you are lucky enough to find this strain, get it cause it gives back to a good cause and is a great way to end to a any day.

My next random strain was Lemon Skunk. I choose this strain because I like skunk strains and lemon is always so uplifting to me. Lemon Skunk is a cross between different skunk strains and some sources said that it was a cross between a Skunk strain and Cirtral Skunk strain-sound familiar. Look back at the genetics of Harambe -indeed the same strains. How random is that! So, since I liked Harambe, I also liked Lemon Skunk. Its flavor is citrus and skunk and it’s aroma is pure skunk. And although this strain has similar genetics to Harambe, its effects are much lighter, almost like a sativa. Initially this strain uplifts your mood and gives you a boost of energy. But, upon more consumption, my body felt relaxed but not glued to the couch with some mental fuzziness.

Perhaps life is just a series of random events and we really don’t control a whole lot of it.. However, no matter how random Life is, I always get to choose my next step on my journey and I always get to choose next week’s weed strains!

November 12th Cannabis Strains of the week:

Yesterday, on 1111, I visited my local weed store and everything turned blue! Blue happens to be my favorite color. It is a cool and calming color that shows creativity and intelligence so it is often used to cover the walls of large office buildings, hospitals and airlines. It is a color that symbolizes loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue is the color of the sky and the sea and it is the color of three of the strains that I choose this week.

The first “blue” strain that I chose was Blue Crack. One of the first strains that I tried when I returned to the world of cannabis a couple of years ago was Green Crack, a well known and strong sativa strain that does exactly what it’s name says-it elevates your mood and your body, just like it’s bad big brother, “crack”. Blue Crack is a well balanced sativa hybrid (50%/50%) and was created by crossing Green Crack with our all time favorite Blue Dream. The result was perfect in every way! This strain gave me the creative boost of  Green Crack genetics, followed by a mellow, trance-like body-mind relaxation brought by Indica lineage of Blue Dream. Blue Crack aroma is really blueberry and its taste is berry followed by a bit of diesel taste. It’s buds appear to be dense from the distance, up close they are fragile. All in all I really liked this strain and it chased away any blues that had been hanging around and there was nothing but “blue skies” in my mind.

The next blue strain that I tried was Ultra Blue Romulin. This strain is San Diego grown and is a cross between Blue Dream and Romulan, resulting in a strong Sativa-Hybrid strain! Romulan, named after the alien Star Trek race, is a powerful indica known for its potent therapeutic qualities. Though mostly indica, Romulan growers insist sativa genetics have crept in over time, lending it intense cerebral effects. And, my weed store had this strain labeled as a sativa but I found that this strain starts off with a big euphoric head rush and then relaxes your body and then..don’t expect to be very productive, cause the Romulan indica genes eventually take over. Because of its overall body relaxing properties, this strain is said to be an excellent strain to take care of joint and muscle pain. The aroma of this strain is blueberry, similar to Blue Dream, but then has almost a skunk, earthy smell and flavor. This San Diego strain really does deserve a “blue” ribbon.

My last strain was Midnight Blue. Although I couldn’t find this strain’s exact documented genetics, my guess from it’s appearance, its flavor and its effects, it is a sativa dominant hybrid created by crossing Midnight and Blue Dream. Midnight is 60 Sativa/40 Indica hybrid. This kush strain was developed in Israel by Tikun Olam and is perfect for most users thanks to its low 10-13% THC count. However, it does contain a extremely high CBD content, ranging between 8%-13%. Therefore, this strain is great for controlling inflammation, nausea, seizures and chronic pain and its effects are balanced -relaxing both mind and body- uplifting your mood and boosting your energy but keeping your body feeling loose but still active - perfect for morning and daytime medicinal use. I am always looking to find balance in my life and this strain was exactly that. I found myself happy, relaxed but also alert and creative. The flavor and aroma of this strain is again very much like Blue Dream initially but then ends earthy with some rose overtones.

I like the color blue and I liked the three “blue strains”-they, out of the blue, found their way into my world, helped to chase my blues away and were the blueprint to a blue-tiful Sunday.

 November 5th Cannabis Strains of the week:

The energy on earth is every changing and no two days are the same. It is always changing and always new. And, because of these ever changing energies, it is important to recognize that what you did yesterday that brought you joy, will not be the same as what will bring you joy today. And, because the energy is constantly changing, it is important for us to be willing to constantly change and adapt.

That constant change also is reflected in the cannabis strains that I choose-some weeks I am solidly sativa; sometimes I’m drawn to heavy indicas and then most weeks these days, I am drawn to hybrid strains, which are neither too energetic or too sedating-they are just right:)! All that pontificating said, this week’s first strain is Sacrificial Lamb. Sacrificial lamb, created by Gage Green is a Sativa dominant hybrid. It is a cross between one of my favorite Sativa strains,  Lambsbread and Inferno Haze cannabis strains. This strain tastes quite similar to Lambsbread, in that it is piney, woody with possibly a bit of skunkiness. It’s effects are more pronounced and have a quicker onset than Lambsbread and they are more euphoric and pronounced. However, as I continued to consume more, the Inferno Haze, also created by Gage Green, seemed to kick in and I felt just a bit lethargy with a pronounced body effect. This strain made me creative and calm, and is said to be effective in treating for depression and PTSD. Some phenotypes, however, are more calming than others, but all of them will give you munchies, so be prepared with some of your favorite snacks. I am not certain why this strain is called sacrificial lamb since nobody was hurt or left out to dry. The only thing that was sacrificed was my stress!

The next strain that help me be open and willing to change was Dutch Master. I must admit that I could not find any information on this strain. However, it looked, tasted and acted just like it was a combination of Master Kush, an indica strain, created by the Dutch White Label Seed Company by crossing two landrace strains from different parts of the Hindu Kush region, and Dutch Treat, another one of my favorite hybrid strains. Although this strain was labeled as a sativa hybrid in my local weed shop, I found that it is truly a more indica dominant hybrid-at least it becomes that way after your first two or three puffs. After this initial period of uplift, this strain seemed to put me into a heavy state of relaxation where my core was heavy and warm but my limbs remained mobile and active, not locked in the couch.  The strain appearance is a true mix of its parental strains- with longer broader leaves on the outside, like Master Kush and tighter orange buds inside, like Dutch Treat. Its flavor is also a blend of the two strains-citrusy, earthy and then it tastes just takes like hash, similar to Master Kush flavor. This is the perfect strain for a lazy, hazy Sunday afternoon. In fact, it is a good strain for all the changes that every day presents us with and that we must be willing to make-this strain will make all of your changes easy to make.

October 29th Cannabis Strains of the week:

Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” That quote pretty much sums up the current state of my life and the lives of the people around. Most of us are waiting, wondering and holding our breath until we find that “thing” that will make everything okay and we will finally have the happiness that we have been searching for.

However, in truth things will never be perfect  and that there is not one event or thing that will bring you that eternal happiness that you have been seeking. By accepting that Life is imperfect and that it is always filled with winning and losing,   growing and regressing,  smiling and crying, learning and forgetting, you will be better able to embrace the present moment, which is where your true happiness resides.

We are all ever-changing works in progress and so are the lives we lead. And so are my choices for cannabis strains. And that being said, I recently have changed my choices in weed strains from strong sativa strains to well balanced hybrid strains. The first strain being Blue Lemon Thai, an excellent examples of a well-balanced, 50/50 hybrid strain. Blue Lemon Thai cannabis strain, created by CH9 Female Seeds, is an even hybrid that came about in 2012.  This strain is the result of a breeding program that involved parents strains Lemon Thai, a sativa strain and Toxic Blue, an indica dominant hybrid strain. It is a visibly beautiful strain and its flavor is exactly what its name says-citrusy, a bit of berry and ends with peppery, spice notes. It effects were truly balanced and left me feeling relaxed, euphoric but not sluggish. It does not cause the anxiety of racing thoughts of a heavy sativa strain nor did it make me feel like I needed a nap. Like most things in my life right now, balance seems to be what is called for-balance in all things, including my cannabis strains. Blue Lemon Thai hit the spot with perfect balance and an unforgettable taste.

The second balanced strain that caught my fancy this week was Sherblato. This strain is a cross between of Sherbert and Gelato:
Sherbert, an heir to the Cookies family and a indica leaning hybrid; Gelato (also referred to as “Larry Bird”) is a hybrid strain also from the Cookie Family Genetics. Thus, Sherblato combines all the yumminess of the cookies strain and gets its name from the fruity, dessert-like aroma, a common genetic thread among the Cookie family. When I first smelled this strain, it had a strong gas smell very pungent but upon grinding it and smoking it, it took on astrong cookie that quickly overpowers the gas.  The effects are happy, uplifting and fun. However, smoke enough of this sweet treat strain and you may get to feeling like you need to go sweet dreams. Life is all about balance and although I still struggle with maintaining that balance, I can always count on cannabis to help me find my equilibrium and balance. Bet you get balanced too!

October 23rd Cannabis Strains of the week:

White is an inherently positive color. It is associated with purity, virginity, innocence, light, goodness, heaven, safety, brilliance, illumination, understanding, cleanliness, faith, beginnings, sterility, spirituality, possibility, humility, sincerity, protection, softness, and perfection. And, this color of purity and perfection showed up in both of the strains that I choose this week.

The first strain that found me at my local weed shop was Hawaiian White, also known as Hawaiian Snow. This strain looks and smells just like a “pure” sativa and smokes the very same way. It was created by combining a trifecta of Haze goodness, including Neville’s Haze, Pure Haze, and Hawaiian Haze .

That trifecta of Haze has a really delicious flavor of sweet tropical pine with a citrus hint upon exhale and an aroma of a tropical pine forest. It effects are hazy indeed and provide an incredibly cloudy head effect that initially leaves you euphoric and uplifted, just before causing you to fade into a spacey and distant zone. For me, this strain made me incredibly creative and then after more consumption,left me almost completely spaced out-not productive! So beware of your consumption if you want to get anything done with your day. Due to those potent effects, Hawaiian Snow is said to be an ideal strain for treating patients suffering from conditions such as chronic stress and anxiety, mild to moderate cases of depression, and chronic fatigue. Finally, this strain was the 2003 Cannabis Cup winner and it’s a winner in my book too!

My next white strain was Ultra White Amnesia, a strain created by the Ministry of Cannabis. This strain is the love child of two legendary varieties-Amnesia Haze and Dutch White Widow. The result of that breeding is a slightly sativa strain (60% sativa/40% indica), which combines the relaxing and pain-killing effect of White Widow with the cerebral, euphoric and social kick Amnesia.

For me, this strain acts just like a sativa strain and gave me pep in my step but, didn’t make me antsy or jumpy. The White Widow effects become more dominant as you continue to consume, so" cuidado” as you go. The flavor is a cross between citrus and herbal tea and the smell is citrusy and yet, herbal.

All in all, whether you are going to a White Wedding, chasing a White Rabbit or having a White Christmas-these White strains will be make every one of your experiences filled with more light, goodness and more white!

October 15th: Special edition-What’s in a name?

October 8th cannabis strains of the week:

It’s Columbus Day, but all I can think about is Halloween-Halloween candy that is! And, my sweet tooth carried over to my weed strain choices this week. The first being Pink Starburst. I used to eat Starburst all the time while I was a kid but my teeth just couldn’t take the constant sugary pounding! So, what a relief to find the flavor and the effects at my favorite weed store just in time for Halloween.

Pink Starburst marijuana strain is an ultra-potent (THC content can be up to 28%), well balanced 50:50 Indica-Sativa hybrid. It is was created by crossing DJ Short’s Blueberry, Headband, and AJ Sour Diesel and the result of that complicated crossing are nothing short of spectacular-both in taste and effect. Pink Starbust tastes fruity, sweet and tangy just like it candy predecessor and it’s aroma pretty asks you to dive right in and get yourself a sweet treat too. The effects of Pink Starburst are energizing and can cause a strong cerebral buzz, aka a head rush, characterized by euphoria and cognitive clarity. Although it energizes your body, it also alleviates stress and anxiety. As you consume more, you will find a soothing tranquility and relaxation takes over your body. Because of it’s delayed overall body relaxation, this strain is said to be good in controlling muscle spasms and generalized body pain.

I liked this strain and it was a great choice to help me be productive and yet relaxed. It’s sweet flavors made me long for the summers that I spent at camp, when I unwrapped hundreds of brightly colored Starburst candy pieces, without another care in the world. This strain has won a bunch of awards and therefore, you will have more of a chance to find it at your local weed shop. It’s a sweet treat for sure-just what I needed during these gray days in October!

Because I still had Halloween on my mind, the next strain that I chose was Casper OG. If you read this blog at all, you know that I like Sativa strains and rarely do I choose straight up indica strains, like Casper OG. However, I couldn’t help myself when I saw and smelled this strain and thought of the ghosts and goblins associated with Halloween.

Casper OG was developed by Archive Seeds by crossing Ghost OG with a Face Off OG Bx1 male, and has resulted in what has been called “one of the most representative examples of the authentic OG Kush line”.  This strain for me exemplifies an authentic indica strain. It begins with a sudden onset relaxation and soon glues you into your couch. For me, it put me in the right state of mind and body to just toddle off to sleep. It also calmed any aches and pains that resided in my body. This strain is known to relieve depression and stress, boost appetite and therefore helps with nausea and anorexia.

As I said earlier, I am neither a fan or a connoisseur of indica strains. I however did like this strain because it did what it was supposed-made all my worries, doubts and pain, disappear just like every other ghost does, just like Casper, the friendly ghost did in cartoon land.

October 1 st cannabis strains of the week:

Happy October and hallelujah that the heavy energies of September are done! Last week, as I and most Americans watched the Kavanaugh hearings, a haze came over me, making lots of things in my life confusing and weird. Like those images on my television, nothing seemed to be quite real. People behaved in ways that I didn’t expect and sometimes even recognized.

It was a good thing that I choose two Haze strains to get me through the haze that my life seemed to have become. Haze is, probably, the most grown and renowned 100% sativa hybrid throughout the world. Its origins date back to the early 1970’s in the region of Santa Cruz, California (USA), created by two brothers known as the “Haze Brothers” (R. Haze and J. Haze). The Haze Brothers created a 100% Sativa hybrid from Mexico, Colombia, India and Thailand landrace strains.

All that being said, I had several Haze strains to choose from at my local weed store. The first Haze strain that came across my path was Rose Haze. Although I had a hard time finding a strain called Rose Haze in my research, I am guessing that this strain actually is a sativa hybrid with crossing Rose Kush , a 50/50 hybrid strain with Haze. The aroma of this strain is the first thing that grabbed my attention. It smells and tastes like a Rose’ wine-grape, berries with perfume notes. The effects of the strain were pretty similar to the other Haze strains that I’ve had before, which were uplifting and yet calming at the same time. It is a strain that doesn’t leave you locked to the couch, yet takes the edge off life’s brutal reality. Although this strain’s physical appearance isn’t anything to write home about, it’s flavor and effects more than made up for its lackluster appearance.

The next Haze strain that help me bring clarity to my own personal haze was Clementine Haze. Again, this strain is a sativa hybrid created by crossing one of my favorite sativa strains, Clementine with Haze. And this strain shows off both of the best in taste and effects of each strain. It’s flavor and aroma are quite similar to Clementine-bright with citrus and pine flavors and aroma. But, the effects are all Haze-up, euphoric and yet chilled. And that is exactly what I needed on the last week of September.

I wish you all a Happy October and I hope that your best of your todays are the worst of your tomorrows and that you find Haze at your local weed shop.

September 24th cannabis strains of the week:

Happy Fall! Last Saturday we celebrated the Fall Equinox and today we celebrate another Full Moon-this one is in Aries and it’s got a lot to teach us just like most Full Moons. It never ceases to amaze me how my life and its lessons and challenges are usually in sync with the activities happening in our cosmos.

And, because my choices in weed strains usually mirror what’s happening with my moods and the moon, this week my first strain is a planetary one. Mars OG is 80/20 indica dominant marijuana hybrid, originating from California Bay Area. It was created by crossing Mars with OG Kush and that combination induces a strong body buzz, followed by deep body-mind relaxation and sedation. It also however uplifts mood, prompts chattiness and is said to improve focus.

Like many of the other strains named for planets, known as planetary strains, this strain began its growth cycle indoors and then, was moved outdoors to complete the grow cycle in more natural conditions. The end result is a dense bud with a high flower-to-leaf ratio that produces a heavy-handed body buzz. With a hearty, thick taste and pungent smell, Mars OG will take away your pains and easily put you to sleep. Say goodnight and say, it will all be alright!

My next strain is Gello, even if the illegal weed shop insisted on spelling it Jello. Gello has been proclaimed by many online weed sites as the most developed line of the Gelato strain, which has its genetics in the “Cookies” Family.

This strain is visually stunning and the aroma and flavor hit me like a burst of euphoria, and then a full body and mind relaxation set in. Although the physical relaxation comes on strong, I was still able to focus and stay productive and creative throughout my day. The flavor is very similar to Girl Scout Cookies, with a little more pronounced notes of berries. Don’t miss out on this EXTREMELY RARE strain as I am told that the supply is limited! Life is so short and goes by so quickly! Today go out and find your own favorite strains and make today count!

September 17th cannabis strains of the week:

Thomas Merton once said that “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” And that same notion goes for my weed strains this week. Usually I go for sativa strains, however, this week, I was looking for more balanced strains-ones that would not only energize me but would also leave me feeling relaxed and grounded.

My first strain Jungle Juice is is a Sativa dominant hybrid, created by crossing the delicious Animal Cookies X Tangie strains. This strain is all about balance from its flavor to its effects. Balancing sweet and sour citrus flavors, Jungle Juice packs a juicy sweet and sour citrus flavor with an after taste that is surprisingly just like a banana or something tropical. The smell is of sweet pine and bananas with an earthy pungent effect. And, its effects are energizing yet relaxing at the same time, working in harmony to lift the spirits and provide artistic, euphoric inspiration, which I was sorely needing last week. Jungle juice balances the best of tropical sativa strain with a mild and comforting effects of an indica strain- a balance that created harmony in my mind and body!

The next strain UK Cheese is a perfectly balance hybrid- 50 indica and 50% sativa lineage. It is a cross between make the UK Cheese strain a perfect blend of body and mind. This strain is perhaps the most famous strain to emerge from the British Isles. It is more popular in the UK than anywhere else, although its fame has spread to many other parts of the world. It has been said that English farmers created this strain by inbreeding Skunk #1, a sativa-dominant hybrid. UK Cheese itself is indica-dominant, with a sativa/indica ratio of 20:80, but the effects are balanced, delivering both a head and body high. It's a potent strain, with THC levels topping out at about 20%, it's known to hit fast and hard. And, I felt them immediately! The effects are intensely euphoric, with an upbeat, happy mood, some laziness, and a dose of creativity. Best used to treat pain and stress, UK Cheese is also an effective way to alleviate insomnia and depression. This strain packed a more potent punch than the happy go lucky Jungle Juice, but by last Friday, I truly appreciated it’s forcefulness and it’s take no prisoners, instant relaxation.

UK Cheese is an ideal strain for patients seeking daytime pain, stress, and anxiety relief without the fear of crashing. It could also serves as an anti-depressant, as it puts you in high spirits after just one draw. Balance is not something you find, it's something you create whether it’s in life or in the weed strain you choose. This week I found it in all areas of my life!

September 10th Cannabis Strain of the Week:

Special edition: Blue Dream: For such a hometown favorite strain, we needed to give it a page of its own. Read all about Blue Dream.

September 3rd Cannabis Strain of the week:

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life– Confucius

Happy Labor Day! All this talk about laboring, got me thinking about my work and how lucky I am to be working in the legal cannabis industry here in San Diego. Not only do I have an opportunity to help shape this new industry but I also receive countless rewards as a result of the fruits of my labor in the form of new and interesting weed strains.

And, speaking of fruit, the strain I chose this week was filled with tasty fruity terpenes. Orange Soda, also known as Orange Crush, is a sativa dominant hybrid strain, bred by BC Growers Association . It was created by crossing  California Orange and Blueberry, the characteristics and flavors of both strains are prominent in this Orange Soda. The strain tastes and smells just like it's name-citrusy and sweet. Its effects are felt most intensely in your head and they are uplifting, energizing and motivating! Orange Soda can be mostly found in Colorado and West Coast dispensaries. It is a good strain  for morning and daytime use and it truly will bring sunshine to any cloudy day.

August 27th Cannabis Strains of the week:

As this summer comes to an end and as we basked in the light of a Full Moon, I found religion this week at my local weed shop. Well, maybe not religion, but I did find Jesus, not to be confused with Jesus OG! 

Jesus  is a sativa dominant hybrid (80% sativa/20% indica) strain created through a potent three-way cross of Jack’s Cleaner X Hell’s OG X Space Queen. ( I thought it ironic that through the crossing of Hell and Space you end up with  Jesus.) The results of that genetic cross are nothing short of biblical-   instantly you become exulted, uplifted and down right giddy.  The flavor is just as uplifting- with an overall pine flavor and undertones of citrus.  It's aroma is quite similar to any "Jack Herrer" strains but, with more fruity overtones, similar to "Juicy Fruit" gum. It boosted my  energy and alleviated my stress- just like the prophet himself.  And, just like the prophet, this strain is also known to help with chronic pain, nausea, spasms, tremors. 

Whether it's the biblical strains that I am consuming or that fact that I'm living my life more authentically, I am feeling mighty grateful these days for many reasons. And this strain made my gratitude even greater. I liked this strain a lot! It brought me up, when I was feeling down and helped me have more compassion for myself and for those around me. Well, maybe something bigger than the weed actually did all that spiritual elevation.  But, if you're in the need of some soul comforting, search Jesus, the cannabis strain, at your local dispensary and then, surrender to the Divine Being within yourself. 

It's hard to top finding Jesus, but Zilvermist was like finding a unicorn strain of sorts. As you see from it's lineage, it took a lot of fancy footwork by the genetic genius's at All Star Genetics, to create this strain.  Zilvermist  is a cross between Kali-Mist and one of my favorite strains,  Super Silver Haze.  Despite it's complicated genetic make up, this strain simply helped me to just chill out and have fun. It expresses itself just like a straight up sativa and causes less "psychedelic haziness" than Super Silver Haze or Kali-Mist strains and more body relaxation that your average straight up sativa strain. So this strain is perfect for day or evening use.  It's flavor and aroma are similar to diesel  balanced with notes of skunk. 

It takes a lot of creativity and time to produce the perfect cannabis strain, as it does to create the life you desire. However, you can take 100% responsibility for being the powerful creator of your own life and then,  allow the changes to happen in your life.  Be the magic, create the music and the peace in your life, today. 

August 20th Cannabis strains of the week:

Yesterday, Mercury went direct along with several other of our planets. So, the time for looking backward is over! It's now time to move forward in a new direction.  However, Life is never that clear cut.  Life is not like  a book or a movie, which  have a clear beginning and ending. Life is a bit more messy and the old lingers, mixing with the new and untried. Therefore, you and I may have unfinished business where we are right now, which our egos may be using  as an excuse to not take steps forward toward achieving  our next chapter fueled by our dreams and heart desires. 

 But, you and I can out smart our egos by recognizing that  in reality we can do both things-finish up the now stuff and make time to take steps towards our future goals.  We can actually split our focus and take care of the business of now and take small steps to our next chapters.  And, as always, my choice for weed strains mirror what is going on in my life. 

Sunnyside, also know as Sunshine Daydream ( I think after searching high and low through the currently limited literature) is a cross between  Blue Moonshine and Bubba Kush Strains.  It is a 60%/40% indica dominant hybrid, which tastes like berries and diesel. As its name suggests,  this strain offers a warm and relaxing high. Although its effects are indica like (body heaviness), it did uplift my spirits and made me feel like everything would be alright, even if I didn't know how that would happen. This strain is said to be a great beginner strain because there are a very little downsides to this strain due to its balancing of indica and sativa qualities.  However, I would suggest that you use this strain at night due to the sleepiness it causes. This strain is also said to  relieve chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and depression. I liked this strain because it really did help me to choose the sunny side of the street...of my life. 

The next strain also got me to the sunny side of the street, but my another route.  Red Dragon,  unlike Sunnyside, is a sativa dominant strain(60%/40%). 

 It is a cross between a rare Himalayan Kush variety and Utopia Haze, a landrace sativa from Brazil. The effects of Red Dragon are slightly sativa dominant, characterized by an uplifting euphoria that leaves you giggly, talkative, sociable, and happy.  This makes it the perfect strain to consume during the day. However, with around 23% THC, this strain can be overwhelming for some users, especially those with a low tolerance, so it's best to take it easy.  Its uplifting effects may help relieve fatigue and a low mood, as well as stimulate productivity and creativity. The relaxing effects of this strain is said to help with stress or anxiety, while the physical effects may also help tame mild pain.The flavors and aromas of this strain are very intriguing, boasting a complex combination of woody pine aromas with spicy, slightly herbal flavors. 

I found this strain uplifting, yet not jumpy.  It's balanced sativa dominance spurned me forward to take baby steps towards my next chapter with confidence and courage fueled by the fire of a red dragon! 

August 13th Cannabis strains of the week:

You and I have made it through three eclipses, six planets in retrograde, a full moon and a new moon, hopefully leaving us lighter, brighter and clearer on our intentions for our future.  One of my intentions for my future is to create and maintain balance in every area of my life.  And, that theme of "balance" trickled into the two weed strains that I chose last week. 

Critical plus, is an evenly balanced hybrid of the famed Skunk and Big Bud (50:50 sativa/indica ratio). It was the winner of the first High Life Cup competition in Barcelona and  has high THC levels, upwards of 20% in some tests, while CBD is less than 1%.  Because of that high THC level, Critical is said to be effective in  treating depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and migraine headaches.  After going through all the eclipse and retorgrade energies, I felt like I was experiencing some form of malaise, depression and as always, ADHD.  So, with a little intervention from the weed gods, I was led to this strain and it provided me with almost instant relief, a bit of euphoria and a bit of hope that I would have the courage to leave my past behind and move forward with grace and ease. 

The next strain that I chose was yet  another  one that  was all about balance- Hash Fruit.  Hash Fruit , a Cannabiogen creation, is a cross between Sandstorm and Peyote Purple cannabis strains.  It is a  perfectly balanced, 50% sativa/50 % indica strain. This strain much like Critical plus awakened me  and yet  left me feeling calm, relaxed and refreshed.  This strain was also a delight for all my  senses, richly aromatic and flavorful with fruity overtones.  All in all, I feel stronger, more inspired and happy than I have ever been in my life. Thanks to the Universe that continues to show me that finding balance in life (and in my weed strains) may be the recipe for a very happy, and high life! 

August 6th Cannabis strain of the week: 

Happy August! August is the month of my birth and always brings me gifts-both physical and spiritual.  However, this August is supercharged by six planets in retrograde and a solar eclipse which is looming on the horizon (August 11th).  All that cosmic energy has been forcing me to really examine who, what and where matters to me and then let all the other stuff go. It is a time to begin anew and the only way you can begin anew is to let go of all the things that you have become attached to, which in reality,serve you no purpose and in fact are keeping you stuck in a place that you have long outgrown with people, who are no longer a vibrational fit. 

As I continue to soul search, so do I continue to search for new and untried cannabis strains. The first one I discovered last week was Iron Haze.  Although I've pieced together the genealogy of this strain, there is no real definitive information on it, which I could find. That being said, Iron Haze(also known as metal haze) is a sativa strain created by crossing Haze strain, a highly sought after uplifting sativa strain that is none for it spacey, racy effects with an unknown sativa.  It should be noted that there are a variety of Haze strains, typically referred to by the region from with it originally stems from.

Nonetheless, the most famous of these is often referred to as “original haze". The original haze  combined  sativa genetics from Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and India to highlight the best characteristics of each individual strain. It was developed by a group called “The Haze Brothers” during the 1970’s.” The iron or metal part of this strain is really very murky and so I'll let you find out who's its daddy yourself.  

The taste of this strain is just as diverse as its origin, ranging from  fruity, spicy, earthy, to sour and piney. When smoked, this strain can make you feel euphoria, creativity, calm, numbness, appetite gain, and pain relief. It blasts you up, and when consumed in large amounts can leave you feeling slightly anxious with a slightly  dry mouth. Combined with the heavy energies in the universe right now, this strain made me feel a bit jumpy and wound up. So, I'll probably pass it by the next time I run into it. And, just like all the other things, which haven't been serving me, I will let it go! 

July 30th Cannabis strains of the week: 

We made it through the longest lunar eclipse in centuries!  And, although I'm still feeling the ripples from it, I am beginning to move through it and am coming out the other side lighter, brighter and stronger! It has been said that through great struggle comes great growth.  If that is the case, then I am becoming ferociously strong and powerful!

Although I am learning my lessons and becoming stronger, I still look to my weed strain to give me more power and more strength and that's what I found in this week's first strain, Zelly's gift.  Zelly's gift is a  70/30 Sativa hybrid, which has a fresh, earthy aroma with herbal citrus overtones that are spicy and mellow.  It was originally created in honor of a friend of the farm (Dragonfly Earth Medicine),  who was imprisoned on a cannabis conviction.  

Zelly’s Gift is the flavorful cross of an Afgoo x Purple Thai x Super Lemon Haze x God Bud father and a Jack Herer mother. The strong mother genetics root this strain in uplifting sativa effects while its recessive indica-dominant genetics give it a fruity flavor.  This strain can treat mood swings, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and chronic stress or anxiety-all of which I experienced during the past few weeks.  Because Zelly’s Gift can be quite uplifting, it  is a great for morning and daytime use., which I did routinely during the trying times this week!  

In addition to the lunar eclipse, which we experienced last week, Mercury is also in retrograde, slowing us all down and giving us another look of our past and our shadows. And, let's not forget all the communication snafu's that happen during Mercury Retrograde. So, I thought I'd choose a strain that also was a bit out of the ordinary.  In fact, I could find no information at all about this strain, Divorce Cake.  However, I think it is a play on words-instead of calling the strain Wedding Cake, this grower decided that divorces were so much more common these days and that may even need their own cake to celebrate the dissolution of their marriages!

Wedding Cake is a indica dominant hybrid. It was created by crossing triangle cookies x animal mints.  This strain has  a perfect combination of sweetness of cookies and fruitiness of a cherry pie. It works as a calming agent and I am told that is quite helpful for patients, who experience regular depression-associated syndromes, fibromyalgia, MS and other such related symptoms. For me,  it helped calm me down and controlled the anxiety, which the lunar eclipse had instilled in me. From the first sweet toke, I was filled with relaxation and  euphoria.  After a couple more sweet smokes, I became couch locked, which often happens to me when I consume one too many tokes of an indica strain.  

Whether your celebrating a marriage or a divorce, this strain will keep you chilled out and pleasantly euphoric.  Even if you don't have an event to celebrate, Divorce Cake can help you find something to celebrate, be grateful for or just see the sunny side of life. 

July 23 rd Cannabis strains of the week:

As we continue through eclipse season, I continue to be given opportunities to see the "dark" parts of myself that have been hidden deep within me.  Real transformation requires guts, tenacity and most of all willingness.  However, even though I thought I've been willing to change, I found out that like most humans, I resist change and have done many things to avoid seeing the parts of myself that were programmed at birth to sabotage my growth and my greatness.  And, yes change is work.  But, the work is so worthwhile and ultimately results in me having more self respect, strength and self love. 

Something that I never need to work at is finding my next favorite weed strain!  This week I easily and effortlessly found a new strain to bring more light into my life. Purple Tangie is my first enlightening strain! Purple Tangie is a sativa dominant hybrid strain created through crossing the big, bold mouthwatering Tangie strain with an unknown Purple strain. Even though it’s new on the market, Purple Tangie has reportedly taken the medical community by storm, taking 1st Place for Best Medicinal Sativa Concentrate at the 2016 Los Angeles High Times Cannabis Cup.

I  used to like Tangie strains, until like most things, I burned this strain out by consuming it all the time for weeks on end about a year ago and like most other things from songs to candy bars, I eventually come back to them with hesitation. Thus, trying a Tangie strain wasn't my first choice, but it's aroma and purple beauty were enough to push me to it again. 

First, Purple Tangie is super flavorable with huge citrus notes and some piney and tropical undertones. Next Purple Tangie  lifts your mood almost instantly.  The strain I had was labeled as a powerful 22% THC level and it is also high in CBD levels because it bold terpene profile. The total effects of this strain are  powerful and long-lasting with energetic and uplifted feelings, which are perfect as a wake-and-bake or an early afternoon pick me up. I was hit with a cerebral rush of euphoric energy first, then I  experienced an increase in my mental clarity and focus. This strain is said to be effective in treating ADHD, ADD and depression.  And, I can attest to that fact.  Tangie came to my rescue this week as I awakened to many people, places and things from my past that I clearly need to let go of....Tangie is not one of them. 

The next strain, Dream Cookies, is truly like one of my dreams came true! Dream cookies is a sativa dominant hybrid that was created by crossing the ever popular, Blue Dream and the other every popular Girl Scout Cookies. 

With this bud, the name says it all – a sweet cookie flavor and dreamy happy effects! Dream Cookies has a flavor that fuses both of its parent strains, mixing freshly baked cookies with ripe blueberries for a fruity nutty flavor explosion that will leave you begging for more.

The aroma is very fruity and earthy with a nuttiness to it.  The  effects are truly very close to those  its Blue Dream parent, infusing lifting cerebral effects with a slight relaxing body high. I felt the heady effects first, with a euphoric lift that left me focused although hazy at times. The feeling of deep relaxation spread throughout the rest of my body, leaving me calm and at ease. Thanks to these effects and its high 15-24% average THC level give Cookies and Dream an edge in treating chronic fatigue, depression, nausea, and inflammation. I am making positive changes in every area of my life.  This week Dream Cookies helped me in all my endavours.  Bet it will help you too! 

July 16th Cannabis strains of the week:

We are in the middle of an eclipse season.  Eclipses are harbingers of change. At a lunar eclipse, the shadow of the Earth falls across the face of the Moon bringing unconscious feelings to the surface, grounding them in reality. Lunar eclipses are culminations of emotional cycles that have run their course, and they encourage us to let go of emotions and attachments that are no longer serving us. To put it simply, you and I get to see our shadows, the dark parts of ourselves that we have hidden inside but still haunt us and sometimes even limit the scope of our lives.  We then get to process those hidden parts and then let them go....and move forward.

All the being said, this week's weed strains are both a throwback from the past and a look into the future. If you are old enough, you may remember one of the most iconic and classic cannabis strains Panama Red.  Panama Red , a landrace strain from Panama,  is an old school pure sativa that was extremely popular between 1960 to the early 90’s. Since then, the genetics have died off slowly as most growers have switched to other Sativa strains that have faster grow cycles, which to make them more profitable to grow. Panama Red’s flowering time is roughly 11-13 weeks which is longer than the most other popular Sativa strains.

The effects of Panama Red are mellow and yet, very  cerebral.  You can count on your mood being elevated and your creativity stimulated.  This strain is said to relieve stress, alleviate depression, relax the body,  and can leave you with the munchies.  To me, this strain brought back memories of my college days, when weed was just weed and it just got you high, not for any other particular reason. It's effects were chilled and a bit psychedelic.  This strain is hard to find so if you find it, step back in time and let the strain do its thing-Panama Red, Panama Red He'll steal your woman, then he'll rob your head Panama Red, Panama Red!

Caution: this strain can leave you feeling a bit space and if you consume too much, it  may cause anxiety and paranoia in some users.  Just like the song says-"Panama Red-it will steal your woman and then will rob your head!". 

From an old school strain to the next generation of cannabis strains, the next strain Rainmaker is being touted as one of the most extraordinary cross breeding in the cannabis industry today. Rain Maker,  bred by Ethos, cannabis cultivators, whose mission is to change the culture in the Cannabis seed cultivation and selling industry.  Rainmaker is one of their newest creations and is a cross between Citral Skunk x Mandarin Sunset.  It is visually stunning and it's flavor is just as notable with a rich terpene profile of cheese, skunk and citrus. I am told that this strain boasts a THC content of 32% and may explain the big bold effects that I experienced from the first toke.  I liked the taste and the effects of this strain.   Cannabis strains have come along way baby and they keep changing and evolving-just like you and me!  

July 8th Cannabis strains of the week:

The dog days of summer have hit Southern California with temps soaring into the 100's and lucky for me that I found a new hot strain to cool me off and chill me out! Electric Lemonade is exactly was I needed to perk me up and lift my heat weary spirits.

Electric Lemonade is a sativa dominant hybrid strain created through a delicious cross of the potent Tahoe OG and the infamous  Blue Dream.  It's flavor and aroma are incredibly uplifting with  sweet and sour citrus paired with berries and florals packed into each and every hit.  The effects of Electric Lemonade are just as amazing as the flavor, with a happy creative overtone that’s great for getting up and moving during the day. You’ll feel a euphoric onset filled with creative energy ad motivation at the onset of the high, lifting your spirits and infusing you with a sense of purpose. This state is slightly tingly at times, which can leave you feeling aroused or slightly agitated. Thanks to these effects and its high 15-16% average THC level, Electric Lemonade is said to be perfect for treating conditions such as chronic pain, ADD or ADHD, loss of appetite or nausea, and chronic stress or anxiety.

This strain could be one of my favorites. It's flavor and effects blow away Blue Dream! To me, it has the perfect balance of cerebral and physical effects, paired with a flavor profile that brings the best citrus and sweet flavors to life. This strain screams summer and makes you not care how hot it is outside 'cause you just stone cold chillin! 

I'm of the belief that there's always something "good" awaiting me and therefore, I am always on the look out for a "diamond in the rough."  And, just like that, I found Gemstone, a true gem of a strain! 

Gemstone is a  hybrid strain  with a complex genetic background, which includes Skunk #1, Northern Lights, Lavender, and Sour Diesel. Upon researching this strain, there seems to be some disagreement on whether through that lineage produces a sativa  or indica strain.  However, most of my sources do say it is a complex hybrid, featuring stunning, bright green and orange buds.  Those brightly colored and flowery fragrant buds were what initially got my attention. Then,  the complex flavors won me over. With every inhalation, you taste different notes of pine, lavender, berries, finishing up with the unmistakable taste of skunk. 

After being wowed by the taste the effects didn't disappoint either. This strain provides an uplifting cerebral euphoria without leaving your wigged out or spaced out-you can still function. As the strain increases your focus and creativity,  it may also prompt attacks of the giggles at inappropriate times. If you continue to consume this strain you will find that your body will become totally relaxed.  Your body and brain will feel no pain! 

Gemstone is a true jewel of a strain.  I am always looking for the next best thing to happen to me. Lucky for me, gemstone is around to shimmer, sparkle and shine it's light on my life. 

July 3rd Cannabis News Update and new product

Somehow we find ourselves in July and although I'm having a tough time with how fast time flies, the licensed recreational cannabis retail stores are truly reeling! For you see, as of July 1st a whole new set of regulations went into effect, impacting how and who could now legally sell cannabis products and flower.

Here's a bit of background-although cannabis has been legal for adult recreational use since January 1st,  a new set of legal requirements went into effect on July 1st. Regulations , which  I am told could shake up the current supply of marijuana available for sale at the licensed dispensaries. Those new regulations imposed by the State of California mandate certain standards for testing, labeling and child resistant packaging.

So, although the industry may eventually be shaken up by the new regulations,  last week the licensed dispensaries were having  "fire sales", selling products that do not meet the new standards so that they didn't need to "chuck" their inventory.  That meant I could try products that I normally wouldn't even consider buying unless they were almost free-they were almost free! And that's how I found Floracal Farms pre-rolls-strain specific pre-rolls, filled with Rollins, a tasty sativa strain.

I used to buy a bunch of pre-rolls, because it was my duty to know my competition, when I was hawking Hello Mello precision pre-rolls. But, most of them just suck. They taste awful!  I'm never quite sure what's in them even when they say they are strain specific. However, perhaps my absence from the pre-roll world made the Floracal Farms pre-rolls seem so good, really good! They come five in a pack, which comes to an eigth of flower in each pack. The pre-rolls are tasty, smooth and most importantly the flower was just awesome! Rollins is a citrusy strain that boosts your mood and energy level and can really help you to concentrate. So it goes to show you that one man's loss, the licensed dispensaries that is, is another one's gain. In this case that would be me!

I am told that we can expect cannabis flower shortages since many companies will not be able to sell their products because they are not in compliance. Whether or not there are shortages, I will continue to venture outside the chaos of these new legal shops to my favorite flower shops, which are still sprinkled around SD county to find my cannabis flower. I am so grateful to be a part of this budding industry, which changes almost every day, just like me!

June 29th Cannabis Strains of the week: 

As I age, I realize more often than not that "life isn't always peaches and cream."  However, you can try to make it more "peachy keen" by consuming the cannabis strain, Peaches and Cream. 

Peaches and Cream is a sativa dominant hybrid, which was created by crossing  Chem Dawg, Super Silver Haze, Maui and Grape Kush.  This strain  has a THC level of 15 percent and has a sweet,  candy flavor and a similar aroma.  Although I didn't experience any notable body effects, my  research tells me if you consume lots of this strain, you will become super duper relaxed and sleepy. 

I wasn't incredibly impressed with this strain because it's effects were too non-commital for me.  It's flavor wasn't anything fruity, like it's name, it's effects just left me feeling flat.  So that goes to show you, that even in the world of weed, everything is not always peaches and cream.  

When life gives you lemons, go make some lemonade. But, when life gives you lemon cookies, you don't need to do anything but smile and be grateful that you found a new strain that tastes awesome and lifts your spirits!

Lemon cookies is an sativa leaning hybrid strain, which was created by crossing  Lemon Haze and Girl Scout Cookies. The aroma of this strain is like smelling a fresh peeled lemon slice and its taste is similar to Girl Scout Cookies, the cannabis strain, not the sugary sweet treats sold by girls in green.  This strain effects are euphoric and yet relaxing.  It's a light and bright, fun strain that will lift your mood and keep you smiling for hours.  So, forget about the lemons that life has given you this week and head into your weekend with hope in your heart and lemon cookies in your soul! 

June 21st Cannabis Strains of the week:

Happy Summer Solstice! Today is the longest day of the year and the beginning of the summer. It is a good day to be grateful for what you manifested thus far this year and to focus on what you still wish to come to you in the days to follow.

I am grateful that cannabis is legal in California and that I have such a plethora of flower to choose from.  This week I am grateful for the Dream Queen that I found ruling over many other strains at my favorite weed shop. Dream Queen is a  potent and popular offspring of two legendary strains, Blue Dream and Space Queen. It's a sativa-dominant hybrid with a sativa/indica ratio of between 70:30, providing you with  a creative, euphoric, happy effect without feeling jumpy or jittery. This strain has a fairly high CBD content, roughly 0.5%, so it also leaves your body feeling relaxed. It's CBD content however, is not high enough to recommend it as a front-line form of treatment for seizure disorders or other conditions that respond to CBD preparations. But, Dream Queen can be used as an effective treatment for fatigue, nausea, stress, and lack of appetite (it induces powerful munchies in some folks). Dream Queen is a California original, found in medical marijuana dispensaries up and down the state.  It's the perfect strain if you're in the mood to go California dreamin'!

The second strain that I picked up was  Obama Kush, the offspring of indica Afghani and mostly sativa hybrid OG Kush,    Although I am not a political person, this strain's beauty and aroma got my attention, possessing big beautiful, frosty nugs with  purple  and reddish hairs . This flower, which originated in Michigan, became  very popular during the Obama presidency.  Although this strain is definitely an indica, Obama Kush sets itself apart from other indicas through its cerebral stimulation and euphoric rush. Obama OG Kush  does not have a sedative effect and can be used at day and evening time. I however found it to be a night time strain because it left my body feeling heavy, even if mind was active. Its  effects lasted a couple hours and then  it was lights out.

On this first day of summer, I highly suggest that you take advantage of the extra daylight and go out and find yourself a reason to be grateful!

June 15th Cannabis Strains of the week:

There are weeks that drag on and on. They are neither good nor bad, just long!  This week was one of them and it is finally ending! And, on this Friday afternoon, I entrusted Candyland to pick me up out of my self-created doldrums so that I could begin my weekend feeling uplifted and positive.  And, I was right about my choice! 

Candyland is  a happy strain and is appropriately named after the childhood board game, Candyland. It's a mostly sativa strain with parents of Granddaddy Purps and Platinum Cookies. Those genes make for an upbeat, stimulating effect that spurs creativity and provides energy for daytime tasks. The exact sativa-to-indica ratio of this strain is unclear, but it contains as much as 29% THC, making it a fairly powerful choice.  Candyland has a strong sweet flavor and smell, with an earthy, spicy undertone. Its appearance is compact and camouflage-colored, with flecks of gold and shimmering trichomes. It's an ideal strain for treating anxiety and depression, along with bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and ADHD. It's an ideal strain to help you have an attitude change, which is exactly what I needed! 

With my attitude adjusted, I made my way to have me a slice of "Black Cherry Pie".  Black Cherry Pie is a very well balanced  hybrid strain-(50% indica/50% sativa) strain created through crossing the classic Blackberry Kush X Cherry Pie strains. This bud has a truly delicious flavor and moderate uplifting effects,  making it one all-around amazing hybrid. Blackcherry Pie has a fresh sweet fruit flavor that’s accented by berries and plum upon each exhale. The aroma is very woody and earthy with a berry overtone that’s accented by lavender and rich florals. Almost immediately after your first exhale, the effects of Blackcherry Pie will start to kick in, lifting you into a soothing state of euphoria that eases away any mental pains or racing thoughts. As this effect grows, you’ll feel an influx in creativity and a slightly tingly effect in the back of your head and neck.  Thanks to these effects and its moderate THC level, Blackcherry Pie is said to be perfect for treating conditions such as appetite loss, nausea, chronic pain or cramps, and insomnia. This strain was the perfect dessert to finish off my week, feeling satisfied and satiated, with my  weed choices and my life choices, even when they are challenging, frustrating and at times, exasperating!  I am grateful for it all!

June 7th Cannabis Strains of the week: 

The first week of June has been joyously filled with light and airy energies.  So, too are the two strains which helped brighten up my week and bring even more joy to my June.  Both of the strains are what are called "landrace" strains. 

A landrace strain is a cannabis strain that has developed over centuries in a particular natural environment. Different cannabis cultivars that have grown, inbred and adapted to very specific geographical location are pure cannabis strains. Over time, these strains  have developed unique characteristics to better survive in their distinct climate.

Said another way, landrace strains are indigenous cannabis plants. While some landrace strains are cultivated to make unique types of hashish or cannabis products, others grow wild in their respective countries. For example, native cannabis plants found in the Kush Mountain region are quite different than the native, wild plants found in Thailand. Landrace strains are important because of their genetics. If left to their own devices, the plants will evolve over millennia to make better use of resources in their particular habitat. similar to heirloom species of vegetables and flowers (not exactly but almost is what I'm told).

All that being said, the first  strain that filled my week with more joy was Poison #13, which is not a landrace itself but one of it's parent strains, Durbon Poison, is a landrace strain from South Africa.  I was not able to find out the "real" gentics behind this big, bold, heavy hitting sativa strain.  But it's daddy Durbon Poison is unmistakably the dominant parent.  The effects of Durban Poison are energizing and leave you clear-headed and highly alert. It also is high in cannabinoid THCV, which may hold potential in stabilizing insulin levels. Durban poison is also known for possessing a very distinct blend of sweet and spicy smells — fennel/anise, orange, lemon, and a creamy sweetness are the most common descriptors. 

Durban poison is one of my favorite sativa strains and whatever it was paired with it to create poison #13, it has my blessing.  It's flavor is very sweet and intoxicatingly complex, with a palate of flavors ranging from sweet lemon candy to spicy anise.  Poison #13 will bring you joy !

The next strain which brought me joy this first week of June,  was Nepalese.  I have seen this strain throughout my travels but shied away from it because of its appearance of its buds, which are thin and appear more like an indica flower than a sativa. 

Nepalese is a 100% pure sativa strain that is a native Landrace to the region of Nepal that is often used as a breeding strain. This sativa strain offers a moderately high THC level that ranges between 14-17% on average and a delicious aroma of sweet citrus with a hint of floral earth. The taste of Nepalese is very much the same, with a sweet citrus onset and a hint of lavender earth upon exhale that sits pleasantly on the tongue.

As I mentioned earlier, Nepalese buds are fluffy popcorn-shaped dark forest green nugs with rich amber hairs and a fine layer of sparse clear crystal trichomes and sweet sticky resin, which are similar to indica leaves.  The effect of Nepalese are  quick heavy-hitting that immediately leaves you positive and upbeat with a powerful feeling of energetic creativity and focused motivation. Because of these powerful cerebral effects, Nepalese is said to be the perfect strain for treating patients suffering from conditions such as chronic fatigue, mild to moderate cases of depression, chronic stress, and chronic pain. 

I liked this strain because I needed the mood boost and the euphoria after fighting the May gray blues and the leftover feelings of frustration and physcial exhaustion. Indeed both of the strains which I chose this week have helped me become more grounded, centered and creative-just in time to celebrate June gloom. 

June 1st Cannabis Strains of the week:

It's June and I'm told by my astrology friends that June will bring all of us a reprieve from all the deep soul searching energies of the past five months!  Wohoo! Bring on the joy! 

On that joyful note, the two strains I discovered this week were filled with joy and juice! The first of those joyful strains was White Graperfruit. White Grapefruit is a 70/30 sativa dominant hybrid strain and tastes like a glass of sunshine!  It's genetics I'm told are a mystery but some believe that it is  was developed by crossing Cinderella 99 with a fast-flowering sativa selected for its rich grapefruit flavor.  No matter who its daddy was, this strain is beautiful with a thick coat of trichomes and a sweet citrusy aroma and taste.  

I needed it's heavy handed sativa effect and it brightened my May gray mood,making way for joyful June.  White Grapefruit is what everyone needs when you need a dose of Vitamin C so you can see life in a much sunnier way. 

The next joyful strain that I tried this week was LSD.  This strain is a very well balanced (55%/45%) sativa dominant hybrid, named after the hallucinogenic drug of the 60's.  The LSD strain was bred by Barneys Farm, with a lineage from Mazar-I-Sharif and Skunk #1.  And, unlike the drug of the 60's, there are no bad trips with this cannabis strain and its effects are heady and leave you knowing that you are buzzed, yet relaxed.  I love trying epic and elevating strains and this one definitely will make my June joyful.  

What will bring you joy this June?  Make it an epic month....find your own JOY!

May 24th Cannabis Strains of the week:

As I head toward a holiday weekend, my mind is filled with dreams of the future and thoughts of what "could" be.  Sometimes, you have to point your sights to the heavens and Space Needle can help you get there in a flash!

Space Needle is a 100% pure sativa strain that is a potent cross between the  popular Blue Dream X Vortex strains. This strain was created by breeders at the  Sea of Green Farms in Seattle, Washington and was named after the iconic Seattle Space Needle. Space Needle boasts an average THC level ranging from 17-20% and a mix of potent sativa effects.

I really liked and really needed the creative kick, which I got almost immediately after consuming. This strain made me feel engaged and imaginative yet focused and alert with a sense of euphoric energy and mild warming effects felt throughout my entire body that felt very much like indica effects.  Because of the body relaxation that this strain provides, Space Needle is said to be an ideal strain for treating patients suffering from conditions such as anxiety disorders, including PTSD, mild to moderate cases of depression, and chronic stress.

Space Needle has a pungent earthy berry taste that sweetens upon exhale and a pungent aroma of sweet berry earth.  All in all, sometimes you just have to take a ride on the Space Needle to help your life right here on earth look pretty damn good!

With all the wondering of what if that seems to be "going around" in our world, I must admit that I have had some restless nights. To help me some find some restful sleep, I chose  an iconic indica strain  Bubba Kush.  The genetic history of this strain can be traced back to the Hindu Kush mountains, although its lineage is poorly documented. Bubba Kush is 100% indica so you can expect a relaxing body high that will leave you couch locked!-"in-da-couch".  It's flavor is almost chocolatey with notes of pine and sweetness.

 Bubba Kush is a classic indica strain and should also come with a warning- it is not a daytime strain, unless you plan on sleeping your day away.  I used it at bedtime and found sound sleep and sweet dreams.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend I plan to remember how incredibly blessed I am every day and how every day offers me another chance!  What are you going to remember?

May 17th: Check out our special "strain" of the week!

May 11th Cannabis Strains of the week:

I'm told by my astrology friends that there are big doings in the heavens right now!  Their explanation is a good enough excuse to explain  the overly excitable, overly irritable and overly frustrated mood swings, which took hold of me this week.  And, that sets the stage for my first strain, Dragon's Breath.   Dragon’s Breath is a sativa dominant hybrid created through a cross of the classic Jack Herer X Northern Lights X Skunk strains.  It is an  extremely rare bud and I'm told it's pretty popular these days because of its powerful effects and high THC level that can be as high as  22% on average.  The bud I got was just beautiful-stunning in fact and it's flavor was citrus and of course that unmistakable "skunk".  It worked quickly on my "frayed" nerves and quickly soothed the "dragon" in me.  Soothed and yet with a much brighter mood. This strain is said to be very effective in treating depression, I can attest to that-my blue mood became sunny and bright and my dragon's breath became sweet and silly, as often happens with good weed and  a little bit of perspective!

With a bit more perspective, I took a look at Blue Diesel.  Sometimes I choose a strain just because it looked good and smelled good, which was the case for this strain. I assumed that this strain would be a classic sativa strain.But,  I was wrong and I was glad about that, since I'm ready to wind down and finish this week. 

In fact, this strain is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid, also known as Blue City Diesel, is a powerful cross of two popular strains: Blueberry and NYC Diesel. The sativa/indica ratio is 40:60, making for  pleasing effects that hits both the body and the mind.  Blue Diesel helped me down shift just perfectly.

Blueberry Diesel is  a beautiful strain and the blueberry flavor is more dominant than the diesel flavor. The effects mirror the flavor with a much more mellow yet alert effects than your average blue dream strain. This strain definitely help me shed my "blues" and head into a weekend, feeling blessed and lucky to live my joyous life! We are all blessed and lucky!

May 6th Cannabis Strains of the week:

They say that April showers bring May flowers and so, with May's arrival I found two new strains popping up at my not so local cannabis store. The first strain, is named after America's favorite outlaw country star and the living patron saint of marijuana, Willie Nelson. This strain is a sativa dominant blend of Vietnamese Black and Highland Nepalese. The flavor of this strain is lemony, piney and sweet with an aroma that will definitely fill your room with some sweet citrus notes. The effects of this strain are also pretty lyrical and left me feeling creative, clear headed with a strong refrain of euphoria and elevated mood. Willie Nelson is a great strain to treat your daily stresses, anxiety or lack luster moods. In fact this strain will definitely get you back on the road again no matter what ails you!

Humming a Stardust Melody from my last strain, I stepped out of my comfort zone and picked up Purple Punch. Purple Punch is a rare indica dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa) strain created through crossing the classic Larry OG with the deliciously potent Grand Daddy Purps.  This strain hit me with a one-two punch to the head of euphoric lifted effects, which I had never experienced before! It's taste and aroma hit me just as hard as it effects with wafts of sweet berry similar to a berry sweet tart.  This strain carries a punch and comes with a warning that it will slay you and like most indicas, you will end up in the couch.  It is good to step out of your comfort zone every now and then, cause you never know what your missing if you don't! Go big or go home.. in life and in weed!

April 29th Cannabis Strains of the week:

There's a Full Moon tonight so I thought it only fitting that I write about a "celestial" strain! I found that starry strain at my new favorite store in La Mesa and it was Haley's Comet. Haley's Comet is sativa strain that is also high in cbd's, which is why it is truly a super star strain.  This strain is energizing without being overwhelming and  is the ultimate daytime flower.

Believe it or not, I am usually not seeking an intoxicating high and usually just need a little help with my free floating anxiety and lack of focus ability.   This is a great strain for people like me, who are just looking  for daytime relief without a psychedelic experience. Finally, the high CBD levels in this strain offer the user the added benefit of body comfort and all the other healing properties unique to CBD's.   I really like this strain and if I can ever find it again, you can bet that I'll pick it up and experience it's powerful effects. It's like catching a comet in the sky, elusive but so very memorable!

My next strain may not have been based in the heavens but it was heavenly to taste and to experience.  Sherbet Cookies, also known as “Rainbow Cookies,” is a rare sativa dominant hybrid strain that is a sister of Gelato, a Platinum Cookies X Sunset Sherbet cross. This bud has an insanely delicious flavor! It's uplifting  effects are perfect for any sativa lover who appreciates a fruity taste. I felt  a boost in energy and focus but also remained  clear-headed, motivated and creative. Sherbet Cookies is said to be perfect for treating conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, eye pressure or glaucoma, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and depression.  I just like the flavor and the happy effects.  Sometimes that's what's it all about-does it make you happy! 

April 22nd Cannabis Strains of the week:

Happy Earth Day and belated 420!  There is always so much to celebrate in this beautiful life, including craft cannabis! This week I celebrated with some new and somewhat exotic strains.  Of course, I did not find them in a "legal, licensed shop"!  The only cannabis flower that you will find in those stores these days are mediocre, plastic wrapped flower. It seems as if legalizing cannabis has somehow "dumbed" down the real essence of cannabis and turned it into vanilla, uninspired and "uncrafted". So, I still venture out of the lines and find myself some unique and truly crafted cannabis.

Hawaiian Landrace is the first strain I chose for it's beauty in color, smell and size.  I had never heard the term landrace before but the buds were so unique and stunning that I knew there was something special behinds it lineage.  Upon researching the term, I found out that a landrace strain is a cannabis strain that has developed over centuries in a particular natural environment. It is a strain that has been allowed to grow naturally without human intervention, like most of the strains available on today's market.  One strain, one environment.

To me, the landrace strains are similar to "heirloom" vegetables in that they have never been hybridized with another strain. To me, heirloom vegetables are usually incredibly flavorful and delicious. But,  unlike heirloom vegetables, this landrace strain years of cultivation bred a strain that is really "mellow" in effects and flavor-definitely not exciting or anything that I expected.  It's flavor is mildly cheesy and it's effects are great to just chill in a cerebral state.  Although I was impressed with its beauty and lineage, I wasn't impressed with its non committal effects-unfortunately, in this case my eyes did deceive me. But, there's always the next strain.

Moving on from my disappointing landrace strain, I chose Berner's cookies. Berner’s Cookies is a sativa dominant hybrid (80% sativa/20% indica) strain created by the infamous Berner himself, a rapper friend of Wiz Khalifa.  It is a heavy-hitting version of Girl Scout Cookies and its power is not to be underestimated.  It's flavor is piney, fruity and fresh.  It's effects are happy and will definitely make the laughter flow. You’ll feel euphoric and willing to talk to anyone around you, although you might become distracted at times with wild creative thoughts.  If you decide to continue your consumption, you may find yourself ready for a siesta!  In combination with its THC level, these effects make Berner’s Cookies perfect for treating chronic pain, insomnia, appetite loss, depression, and chronic stress. I needed to de-stress from this week and hats off to my new rapper friend Berner, who made that happen!

April 15th Cannabis Strains of the Week:

It's a new moon in Aries tonight and Aries is filled with fire and takes no prisoners, just like the strains that I chose this week. Durban Poison is a pure sativa that gives you a powerful kick in the head and awakens your senses! This strain is named after the South African port city called Durban from which it originated.  It is known for its strong, happy head effects, which are great for creativity and daytime errands. The dominant smell and taste of Durban Poison is earthy and sweet, with a subtle pine aroma. I like this strain because it helps to focus but doesn't leave me feeling jumpy or wigged out. It is one of my go to strains although it is becoming more difficult to find in the new world of plastic wrap weed.

White Buffalo , the second strain I chose,  is a sativa dominant hybrid (80% sativa/20% indica) strain created through a cross of the powerful Romulan X (Blackberry Kush X Bay 11) strains. The effects of White Buffalo are uplifting and yet leave your body relaxed similar to the body effects of an indica strain.   This strain leaves your body completely relaxed and  your mind  energetic and alert. Because of these effects, White Buffalo is said to be the perfect bud for treating patients suffering from conditions such as insomnia, mild to moderate cases of depression, chronic pain, appetite loss, and chronic fatigue. Like its parents, this bud has a flavor of sweet peppery herbs that is accented by a sharp hint of mint and a savory blend of earth and spices. The aroma is of sweet earthy flowers with a spicy hint, much like walking through a spice garden.  This is a complex strain that effects are big and bold just like its namesake, the buffalo.

It's a new moon and I've set my intention to continue finding new craft cannabis strains to experience and to share those experiences with you.

April 8th Cannabis Strains of the Week:

I have just returned from a week away and I am feeling energized and alive! Recharged and rejuvenated, I began my search for those special strains that warranted a "write up". So, I ventured this time to a soon to be licensed La Mesa shop and found two notable strains.

The first strain that caught my eye was Bruce Banner. I've seen this strain around a lot but I've never tried it mainly because I had no idea who Bruce Banner was.  Bruce Banner it seems was the alter ego of the "Incredible Hulk".  The story goes that Dr. Bruce Banner was caught in a blast of gamma radiation and is forevermore cursed to transform in times of stress into the living engine of destruction known as THE INCREDIBLE HULK.

The cannabis strain however is much more mellow than its namesake super hero! It is a 60%/40% sativa dominant strain that has beautiful green long leaves. It's effects are euphoric and  stimulate strong creativity and a whole-body mood boost. 

Since  Bruce Banner stimulates high energy, it is an ideal strain for daytime use.  Additionally, it is a highly effective painkiller, but it's also good for anxiety, depression, nausea, and sleeplessness. It's flavor is citrusy with a bit of skunk at the end.  I liked this strain because of its balanced effects. It produces slight euphoria but doesn't "jack you up".  It's good to give a new strain a try, it's even better when it becomes your new super hero!

The next strain was visually stunning and although I had tried it before and was not too impressed, I gave it another try and was glad that I did!

Candyland is a sativa-dominant hybrid bred from Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies.  It's buds are super dense and beautiful, filled with golden hairs and a thick coat of sugar-like trichomes throughout its compact, camouflage-colored buds.

The strain is a happy strain and was named after the childhood board game, Candyland.  The main effect that this strain produces is uncomplicated euphoria-simple and uncomplicated just like the game.  Candyland as a strong sweet flavor  with an earthy, spicy undertones. It's an ideal strain for treating anxiety and depression, along with bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and ADHD.   Candyland is a sweet treat any time of day.

March 25th Cannabis Strains of the Week:

The past two weeks, I've had trouble finding any cannabis to write about. However, my acceptable weedless streak came to an end this morning when I returned to my small boutique shop in La Mesa. There I was greeted by my friends that I got to know during my last visit. And, as importantly, I was greeted by craft cannabis that looked and smelled as good as it tasted and the effects were exceptional!

Blueberry Lamb's Bread: This strain instantly caught my eye, my nose and later my taste buds! Blueberry Lambsbread is a slightly sativa dominant hybrid strain created through a cross of the classic Lamb’s Bread with Blueberry strains. It is best known for it’s classic flavor that’s just like it’s Blueberry parent – a sweet and slightly spicy fruity berry flavor that has an earthy vanilla upon exhale.  I like both of this strain's parents so I knew that I would like this strain. But this  Blueberry Lambsbread effect was incredibly balanced,  being a perfect fusion of both of its parent strains, with a well-balanced combination of both mind and body effects. This strain was obviously created with great lovingly care and it restored my faith in the cannabis industry.

Banjo: Banjo is a sativa hybrid strain created by crossing an unknown strain with Tangelo. The effects, taste and aroma are truly dominated by the Tangelo Kush.   Tangelo is a sativa dominant hybrid (80% sativa/20% indica) strain created through crossing the classic Chemdawg with Bermese Kush strains. The flavor of Banjo is therefore  super citrusy  just like Tangelo and its effects will leave you feeling uplifted and brightened up. Banjo's aroma is very sweet and citrusy although it does have some earthy undertones as it burns. Again, this strain is a beautiful example of the expertise of today's cannabis cultivators.  I only hope they can find a way to stay alive and thriving in the new "big money" legal cannabis industry.

March 12th Licensed Cannabis Farms of the Week:

Since we sprung forward this weekend, I thought I'd change it up a bit and focus on the folks, who legally cultivate cannabis for San Diego's licensed, retail cannabis stores.  I choose these two licensed cultivators because their craft cannabis will be featured at my upcoming cannabis paired dining experience, Lego Optimo, that's happening on Thursday.  Both "farms" craft their cannabis organically, using no pesticides or other chemicals. They both test their flower for THC/CBD concentration and pesticides and provide those results on their packaging and website. Finally, both of these farms have met all the morass of legalities and regulations, which now allow them to sell their craft cannabis to you at the ever growing number of legal cannabis stores here in San Diego.

Grizzly Peak Farms is an Oakland & San Diego-based indoor grower of fresh, premium flower.  Their state-of-the-art growing facilities and superior genetic strains combined with their master grower’s years of expertise enable them to produce the highest quality cannabis. "Always pesticide-free. Always potent. Grizzly Peak Farms gives recreational and medical users the ultimate experience."  And, always willing to be a part of local events, which is what I am most grateful for!

For the upcoming Lego Optimo dining experience, Grizzly Peak Farms will be featuring two strains-Cherry Gelato, which of course will be for dessert!  Finishing up the evening as a final "night cap", will be Oak Luv, said to make even a hardcore insomniac snooze away like a baby! 

The second cannabis cultivator/farm is Outco.  Outco is truly a San Diego based and rooted cannabis company. Formed in 2015, OutCo is a fully vertical cannabis company that holds San Diego County's only Microbusiness License.

Embracing wellness while rooted in science, OutCo delivers the highest quality products that support customer, partner, and community needs. OutCo manages Outliers Collective, the first licensed dispensary continually operating in San Diego County. As an industry pioneer, OutCo sets a new standard for cultivation, extraction, distribution and research that is the basis for their motto of: Beautifully Crafted Science. While science is part of Outco's DNA, their company never forgets that their products must be meticulously crafted to create a beautiful result.  Again, I am so grateful to the pioneers of the ever evolving legal cannabis industry, who had the courage, smarts and the money to craft a really excellent product and bring it, legally to market.

So the next time you're shopping at our local, legal cannabis retail shop, make sure to ask for Outco or Grizzly Peak Farms! Tell your bud tender that you know those guys that grew your weed! 

It's so important to know where your food and your cannabis comes from because they are both medicine for your body and soul!   Purchase tickets for the March 15th Lego Optimo dining experience.

March 5th strains of the week:

As we March into March, I find it harder to find craft cannabis for a reasonable and affordable price in San Diego.  So, I ventured outside the licensed recreational stores and into a brand new store in La Mesa.  There I would find a small, no nonsense boutique shop, where they seat you, chat with you and then show you some of the best cannabis flower that I've seen in many weeks. It has become commonplace to have all the cannabis pre-packaged, according to law, so you really don't know what you're getting.

Yesterday, however, I spent almost an hour with the owner for this new shop, smelling each one of their craft cannabis strains and hearing about where and how they were grown.  I now am able to distinguish indoor grown from outdoor grown cannabis.  All the flower I saw yesterday was grown outside and thus were filled with deliciously balanced flavor and effect. 

The first strain which caught my nose was Orange Julius, a 50/50 sativa dominant hybrid, not to be confused with Orange Juice, an indica dominant hybrid. It's not surprisingly that I liked this strain- a lot-because one of its parent strain is Orange Velvet (see below), a hard to find strain that I just love. I am also fond of Orange Julius' other parent Keebler Cookies. The result of that lineage is a citrusy, sweet treat of a strain.  The effects are uplifting but not "jacked up" like a Jack Herrer strain.  This strain will make you smile and just feel happy!  It will definitely make you feel "like a room without a roof", as the song says. So, pick it up when you can! Be happy and smile a lot!

Keeping with the fruity theme,  I choose Forbidden Fruit,  an indica dominant hybrid strain. Although I have tried this strain before, its aroma welcomed me back to give it another try. This strain is a perfect example of big terpenes and how they taste and how they also impact the effect of strain-known as the entourage effect.  The strain is a fruity mix of Cherry Pie, an indica dominant hybrid and Tangie, a high terpene, citrusy sativa strain.  The combination of the two strains create a fruit cocktail for your mouth and a relaxed but energized effect.  Although this strain is indica dominant to me the terpenes really dominated the strain keeping me uplifted and out of the couch, like most indicas have a tendency to put me in.

Cannabis flower is so much more than just getting high!  I hope that you have begun to recognize the power of the plant. Yesterday, I was reinvigorated by finding cannabis that was definitely crafted with care.  It is my hope that the new legal status of cannabis does not snuff out the small farmers, who  grow outside and who care so much for their cannabis! I will continue to seek out the best cannabis so I can share my experiences with you and you can then share it with others.  Then, we will all live happily ever after:)))! And so it is.

February 22th strains of the week:

As we move through February, I have been presented with many new challenges, new experiences and new cannabis strains. Although cannabis has been legal for recreational consumption for over six weeks, the licensed legal stores continue to struggle finding products that are licensed so that they can legally sell them. My product, Hello Mello, is one of those products which has never made it to the shelves of those legal stores because of licensing issues and a lot of bad business decisions. You probably will never see taste or sample that product again.

All that being said, I have continued to visit shops, which may not have licenses yet but, they definitely still have a wider and much better selection of cannabis than the legal stores.   At one of those stores, I found my first strain, Purple Dragon. Purple Dragon is a 50/50 mixture of Blue Dragon, a sativa-indica hybrid, and Purple Urkle, a powerful indica favorite.  Although it is considered an indica dominant hybrid it is more stimulating than other indicas,  initially hitting you with a cerebral and energizing experience and then, causing full body relaxation. I did however find with continued use, I was hit with the indica effects and needed a quick siesta after my second bong hit.  

A surprisingly fact about Purple Dragon is that it contains  CBD levels  that are also relatively high, between 1% and 2%, which means Purple Dragon can be useful in the treatment of seizure disorders and other conditions that respond to CBD.  Both the flavor and smell of this strain contain notes of flowers, sage, and spice, while the buds have a combination of purple, green, and orange hues. You won't find this strain often so if you do spot it, pick some up and find out the surprising nuisances of this crafted cannabis strain.

I am always on the look out for strains that I have never seen or tried.  Hawaiin Mayan Gold is one of those strains. This strain also known as Kona Gold, is a sativa dominant hybrid strain that is said to be a descendant of the infamous Hawaiian strain grown on the Big Island of Hawaii. It has a relatively low THC level and relatively mild effects, so it is the perfect bud for any level of user who just wants to kick back and relax during the day. For me the effects started with an energetic boost, which left me with mental clarity and a sense of euphoria.  As I consumed more, I was left with in a comfortable and relaxed in state for hours that lasted for hours. The flavor is really tasty too with notes of citrus, sweetness and perhaps a bit of "skunk".  I've never been to Hawaii but I sure do like Hawaiin Mayan Gold!

February 15th strains of the week:

There are some weeks that present constant challenge and unrest within me. Whether my unrest was related to all the unsettled cosmic energies related to our New Moon Solar Eclipse or not, this week was a roller coaster of emotions.  All that lamenting being said, the two strains that I chose this week helped me to stay somewhat focused and less stressed.

The first strain I choose was Purple Champagne, mainly because I hadn't tried it and also because it's lineage is interesting and somewhat odd. Purple Champagne is a sativa dominant hybrid (70% sativa/30% indica) strain. It was created by  crossing Grand Daddy Purple a very heavy indica strain with Pink Champagne (Phantom) another primarily indica strain. The result oddly is a very bright sativa strain, Purple Champagne.  As weird as it seems, this strain looked and felt just like a mild hitting sativa.  It's flavor was definitely berry all the way with notes of sweet citrus.  Its aroma is very pungent and musky with a slightly spicy grape smell and a sweet fruity berry finish. This strain will keep you productive and focused but not "jacked up" and is another example of the magic of cannabis genetics at its best. 

The second strain that caught my eye and my nose was Lime Skunk.  Lime Skunk is an  evenly balanced hybrid (50% indica/50% sativa) strain created through crossing the classic Northern Lights (indica dominant hybrid) with Super Skunk strains. If you love the flavors of skunk and citrus, you’re in for a real treat with this tasty strain. Lime Skunk has a notable flavor of lemon lime, almost like Sprite, although with a skunky twist that’s slightly spicy, like black pepper,  upon exhalation. The aroma is just as intriguing, with a spicy skunky pungency that has a surprisingly sharp kick of lemon to it as it burns.

The Lime Skunk effect is just as unexpected as the flavor, with full-bodied effects that tend to lean a little more towards the sativa side even though it is evenly balanced. It starts with an energized euphoric boost that leave you feeling happy with a deep felt sense of focus that leaves you with clear intentions and a feeling of motivation-all of which I needed throughout this week of challenge and struggle. Struggle makes you stronger and it is also a choice. Thanks to life's generosity you always have a choice on what you think, how you feel and what strain you smoke! Cheers to the best life ever!!

February 8th strains of the week:

This week strains had me paying homage to the growers right here in San Diego as I revisited a strain that I had tried a couple of years ago.  Wet Dream,  native to San Diego, California, is a sativa-dominant cross between two of my favorite strains,  Blue Dream and OB Haze (Ocean Beach Haze).  While its name might lead you to believe this strain is best for some romantic late night indulgence, the upbeat jolt of energy Wet Dream produces is more appropriate for daytime use. Its  effects are uplifting and cerebral. It's flavors are like a peppery lemongrass  and its aroma is woody pine with citrus notes. While some Haze hybrids  tend to induce racing thoughts , the Blue Dream genetics in Wet Dream, bring a mellow, relaxing quality to the experience to help curb stress and anxiety.  This strain will make you happy and uplifted!  It  will also chill you out, just like America's Finest City does for me!

I openly admit that I love the candy skittles-all kinds sour, tropical and of course the original flavors.  So, it came as no surprise that I really like this strain.  From the fruity smell to the big terpine tropical flavors, I liked this strain! Skittlz  is a sativa-dominant strain, with a sativa/indica ratio of about 60:40. It's the result of a cross between Pure Power Plant, a potent sativa also known as PPP, and Wakeford, a rare hybrid with Skunk and G-13 genetics. Skittlz produces a calming, potent euphoric sensation with mental relief and a strong case of the munchies. This strain is known to be an effective treatment for migraines and other headaches, inflammation, nausea, and chronic physical pain.  I just liked its fruity taste and fun effects.  However, unlike the candy Skittles which I usually only consume on specials occasions, I'll be putting this strain my my regular rotation!

February 1st strains of the week:

In honor of our "Blue Moon" this week, I picked up three new "blue" strains-all of which had Blueberry at its core.  Blueberry is an indica dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa) strain with unknown true parentage. It is thought to be descended from Purple Thai X Afghan, but we will never know for sure. For me, the blueberry strains taste just like blueberries and are delicious! The effect of the blueberry strains were equally delicious in that it immediately erased any negative or racing thoughts that I was having and put my mind and body at ease.  With those relaxing effects, I truly understood why Blueberry is said to be perfect for "treating conditions such as chronic fatigue, depression, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety." 

The first "blue" strain that I picked up was Blueberry Headband.  Blueberry Headband is an indica-dominant hybrid, which has a sativa/indica ratio of about 30:70. It effects and taste are exactly what its name suggests, a direct descendant of Blueberry and Headband (an indica strain and a sativa strain). The effects of this strain are calming, euphoric and give you energy, creativity, and happiness. This strain surprised me because I have never been a fan of Headband since it does effect your head just like there was a headband on it- a feeling that I didn't quite like.  However, when it was expertly blended with Blueberry, the negative head pressure effect disappeared, leaving only its desirable effects- increased energy and focus, like most sativa strains. Another genetic wonder that will help to chase your winter blues away!

Blue Cookies, a Blueberry Hybrid(70% Sativa/30% indica) strain, lived up to its lineage of Blueberry and Girl Scout Cookies. Blueberry Cookies, also known as “Blueberry Girl Scout Cookies,” is a sativa dominant hybrid strain created through crossing the infamous Blueberry Tahoe with the classic Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mint strain. The combination produces amazing flavors, mixing fresh nutty mint with ripe blueberries.  The aroma was pretty awesome too – with an earthy berry overtone that’s accented by lemon and pine. The Blueberry Cookies effects are well-balanced enough that whether you love sativa or indica, you'll like this strain. It's got it all-body relaxation, mind calming and overall feeling of creativity and well being.  Balance I am learning is the key to happiness in life and in cannabis!

Finishing up my blue theme was Blue Cheese.  Blue Cheese is an indica dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa). As its name suggests, it tastes strongly of blue cheese, giving it a flavor distinct from other Cheese varieties. The aroma is a mix of blue cheese and sweet blueberries, making it a truly tasty strain. The original Cheese strain, which was first bred in the United Kingdom, was bred with a Blueberry male(see above), resulting in a name and a strain focused on the blue.  The effect it creates are a mix of joy and euphoria with deep-body relaxation. The indica in this hybrid strain is very apparent in the body high, while the sativa portion keeps the strain lively. Blue Cheese is said to be a good choice when treating anxiety, depression, or pain, but it also works well on migraines, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Insomniacs can find strong relief in this strain as well. So, you can say goodbye to your blues by consuming some more blues-blue strains that it is.  I am incredibly inspired by the diversity of flavors and effects that are contained within the blues!! 

 January 25th strains of the week:

This week I ventured into San Marcos and Escondido cannabis dispensaries and I found two new strains that made the trek to the outer bounds of San Diego seem worth it. 

The first strain that jumped out at me was Big Buddha Cheese.  Big Buddha Cheese is an Indica dominant (70/30) hybrid strain the comes from Afghani and OG U.K. Cheese. Big Buddha Cheese is extremely unique, perhaps one of the most unique to come from U.K. breeders. The strain lead the way for the emergence of various Cheese strains coming from British indoor cannabis breeders. With all that technical stuff being said, I like to eat cheese and I like the "cheese" strains.  Their flavor is cheesy like cheez-its and it's effects are balanced towards the relaxed state, but not glued to your couch.  This strain is good when you are ready to let go but not go out!

Sometimes it's good to go home, to choose something that's familiar and good!  That is the way I feel about Trainwreck. Trainwreck didn't get its name or claim to fame in the cannabis community for no reason at all. It's an exhilarating hybrid strain has mind expanding components that will hit you like a "train" after just a couple of hits.

Trainwreck is a combination of 2 sativas (Mexican and Thai) and one indica (Afghani), this strain is nothing short of a magical mystery tour of emotions, depending upon your mood. Although Trainwreck is mainly sativa dominant (80:20 sativa/indica ratio), you can expect a mellowing body high in addition to a cognitive high that administers imaginative and inventive thoughts. Trainwreck is commonly use to relieve pain, PTSD, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. You can smoke this strain comfortably throughout the day even with its super high potency. It's long green leaves are accompanied by a pine/citrus aroma that can't be mistaken. You can expect a noticeable after taste of lemon with a slight cough when inhaling this strain.. There's definitely a heavy amount of trichomes (hairs) on this strain which gives it a light green color and sometimes a subtle hint of gray.  Put this on your heavy rotation list because this train is always on time.

January 18th strains of the week:

Cannabis has been legal to consume for recreational purposes for three weeks now in San Diego.  Since it's been legalized I've traveled from the Mexican border to North County San Diego (Oceanside and Vista), witnessing the ramifications of the change in legal status that is happening to consumers, legal licensed shops, cannabis vendors and most of all to me.  Right now, most cannabis vendors, which create products that include cannabis are waiting to receive their Distribution License required by the new cannabis regulations.  It seems as though over 50% of the vendors that were on the shelves of the medical dispensaries have vanished waiting for new packaging, dosing or like my company to receive their Distribution License, which was applied for last year. 

So as I wait for the holy grail, the Distribution License, I have been able to focus my attention on discovering new strains of cannabis.  This week while visiting a cannabis store in Vista, I found one of my favorite strains, Blue Dream, had been made better in a strain called Super Blue Dream.  Super Blue Dream is another hybrid strain consisting of Blue Dream and Super Silver Haze. Blue Dream is among the most popular strains throughout the US and especially here in Cali because of it's balanced flavor and balanced effects- it produces a heightened sense of alertness without making you feel jittery like a Jack Herrer strain.  Blue Dream is the best for keeping you alert and chilled at the same time. Super Blue Dream however keeps you focused, cerebral and calm.  Additionally, Super Blue Dream smells more distinctly of blueberry than its parent strain Blue Dream.  If you are a newbie, I suggest you begin with Blue Dream and get to know it.  Then, find it's "suped up" offspring, Super Blue Dream and you'll understand the not so subtle differences that lineage makes.

The next strain comes out of my newest project-cannabis infused dining experiences. As some of you may know, I and my partner Josh Timmerman are throwing the first cannabis paired, NOT infused, dining experience on January 25th.  As part of the process to prepare for that dinner, the chefs Benito Molina and Flor Franco joined me and Josh on Tuesday for their first ever cannabis pairing prep.  I truly think that both Flor and Benito learned a whole lot about cannabis-about the aromas and how they differ from strain to strain and how to pair those different aromas and flavors with the food that they will be creating next week.

That pairing exercise got my nose all aflutter and searching for the newest pungently flavored strain.  That's how I found Root beer Float, which smells to me more like cream soda-vanilla with a hint of root beer.  Root beer Float is a hybrid strain consisting of XXX OG (Triple X OG) + x Vanilla Kush.  It is described as an indica dominant hybrid but I found it more balanced than the usual indica hybrid, in that it didn't sedate me like most indicas do.  The aroma and taste of this strain is really the big draw.  I loved the smell and the taste! It left me  wondeing what my new friend Benito Molina would pair with this truly tasty treat! 

This week was filled with treats and challenges-challenges to my belief in myself and my dreams.  Those c

hallenges have made me even more determined to keep creating and staying in contact with the power that guides me and protects at all times.  The results from those challenges as always have made me stronger, more certain and more grateful for this beautiful process of life!  Take a leap of faith and know that the net will always appear!

January 11th strains of the week:

As I made my way through the second week of 2018, I have discovered so many new things about myself and about cannabis! I've been traveling through the legal licensed recreational stores this week and have witnessed a deluge of new customers flocking to get their fix of legal cannabis.  Funny enough, it seems like the Baby Boomers are ready to go back to their hippie weed days.   I have seen  many women and men, who are definitely retirement age,  entering the San Diego legal stores to catch a buzz or to gain relief for their old age aches and pains.  No matter why these new customers have come to buy....it is evident that they are buying! 

I have found many new strains that I've liked. It is truly incredible the diversity of flavor, effect and aroma, which I've discovered this week.

Orange Velvet:

I had never seen this strain in any shop before so I thought I'd go for it.  Upon research, I found out that this strain isn't grown much any more because it is NOT "potent" enough for today's cannabis market.  To me,  Orange Velvet  tastes and smells just like an Orange Creamsicle; the orange-y, creamy, frozen desert on a stick. The flavor is orange, citrusy and sweet. It is a hybrid strain, which means it's effects will be somewhat middle of the road. 

Moreover, I learned that this strain was most likely was created somewhere in the Pacific Northwest using Skunk genetics.  The effects are not super powerful but the taste and aroma more than make up for it.  I found the high gives just the right amount of euphoric lift, while maintaining an even focus and clarity for a duration of 2 to 3 hours.  As I mentioned,  before,  Orange Velvet has been discontinued for the most part, but it does pop up from time to time in some dispensaries; so if you see it out there in the world, buy large!  I was sorry I didn't!

Cherry Punch:

This strain is a really good example at how far genetic engineering has come in the cannabis industry.  Cherry Punch is a true hybrid-it is a blend between an indica strain and a sativa strain. In fact, it is actually a mix between two hybrid strains, -a combination of Cherry AK(hybrid, sativa) and Purple Punch(hybrid indica)making it's lineage somewhat complicated.  Check it out:

The result of all that fancy genetic engineering is a really tasty and well balanced hybrid strain.  It tastes very similar to Hawaiian Punch! It's effects are also moderate and it  is perfect the perfect strain to use when you're finished your "work" day but you still need to  make dinner.

Super Kush

I got this super indica strain free for being a first time customer at a small, but quite amazing shop in Lemon Grove.  As you may have assumed, I usually am a sativa loving girl but, how can you say no to free weed-right?!  I was incredibly impressed by the beauty of this strain.  It is visualizing stunning and super fragrant, as its named suggest.

As always I researched the strain and found out that  Super Kush has the great lineage of being the daughter of Northern Lights #5 and Hindu Kush.  Super Kush is definitely an indica strain and for me, it was a wonderful way to unwind, and relax.  It produced a very relaxed and clear headed effect, unlike most indicas that just space me out. This strain is best for users like me,  who would like to ease stress without being stuck on the couch. An all-around easy strain for beginning cannabis users, like me.  If you need a boost of relaxation before bed, this strain will do the trick!

I am truly amazed at how much tender loving care goes into creating these strains.  I have gained a new respect for those weed growers because they are also scientific wizards.  With each new strain, I am propelled to learn more and to try more! It is a whole new world for me.  I hope you will continue to join me as I make my way through the brave new world of cannabis.

January 4th strains of the week

Happy New Year and some new year this has already been! Cannabis is now legal for recreational consumption here in San Diego and as expected the licensed retail shops were busting at the seams with new customers, ready to buy legal cannabis.  I have been traveling out and about visiting the legal and not so legal cannabis retail and medical dispensaries throughout San Diego, introducing my new product Hello Mello.  

My product is the first ever "joint" rolled on a cigarette machine.  This is not your mamma's pre-roll in that no bud tender licks it, each joint is the exact weight and will taste and burn exactly the same way each and every time.  Additionally the cannabis flower inside the pre-rolls is primo cannabis from Humboldt county.  The cannabis flower is tested three times for potency and for the presence of pesticides.  So you can expect, the same mellow experience each and every time you light one up.  

Say goodbye to imposter pre-rolls that are stuffed in a cigarette tube and don't offer the easy and even burn, amazing aroma and flavor, and availability you should be able to expect from your pre-packed choice in a Pre-Roll. You can now purchase Hello Mello at legal cannabis retail shops throughout San Diego. If your local shop doesn't have it, please ask for it by name and I'll remedy that situation.

This product is intended for the cannabis "newbie" who just wants to get mellow!  If you haven't smoke any weed in the last ten years then this product is for you.  No surprises and no bad weed, ever!

All that being said, I also found two new strains, which caught my eye and got me high this week!

Dutch Treat: 

I've been wanting to try Dutch Treat for some time now, but it isn't readily available at all retail shops.  So, I was thrilled when I found it in a not so legal shop in La Mesa.  Dutch Treat is a hybrid strain, which balances a truly nice sativa effect without the jumpiness of the Jack Herrer strains.  Dutch Treat is a strain that is quite popular in the "coffee" houses in Amsterdam. It has a sweet but earthy flavor and didn't make me hack my lungs out. It did, however, help me focus, stay on task AND also kept me grounded and feeling completely functional.  I truly suggest that you grab a gram of this strain when you see it.  You will not be sorry!

Candy Jack

During one of my visits to an old school hippy medical dispensary in Lemon Grove, I was reintroduced to this strain.  Candy Jack, a solid sativa strain. It was one of the first strains that I tried when I ventured back into the world of cannabis after an over 20 year hiatus.

Candy Jack is exactly what it's name implies, it tastes sweet and "jacks" you up!  It's a fun euphoria but it is somewhat flat and isn't long lasting.  It is the perfect strain to wake you up to do just about anything. But, know that the effects are quick and will be gone in a flash.  Plan accordingly:)

Here's Leafly's official word on Candy Jack.  I recommend this strain to any newbie who wants to understand what a sativa strain is really all about.  You will have to determine whether it floats your boat.  Happy New Year, indeed!

December 25th strain of the week: 

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy new year!  The holidays always bring surprises-good surprises, not so good surprises and just plain unwelcome surprises!  This week of merry, merry was anything but merry for me.  However, I did find  a new strain that was quite surprising in both it's effect and taste. 

Devil's Lettuce: This is my first high "CBD" strain and I really liked the "physical relaxation" that  I experienced.  I felt relaxed without the overly sedated feeling, which a lot of indica strains can produce.  I found that it took away my back pain, which  came from driving my holiday visitor around San Diego.  I will absolutely begin to try other high CBD strains. The taste to me was both spicy and sweet at the same time, which kept my taste buds interested throughout my entire joint.

Here's what I found when I researched Devil’s Lettuce. Devil's Lettuce is a hybrid of Shiskaberry and Great White Shark. It is mostly known for its high CBD levels. High levels of CBD cause more body relaxation and less feelings being stoned . Therefore, it is an ideal for the elderly and medical patients that want relief from pain but do not want to get stoned out of their minds.  Although I am not quite elderly yet, this strain worked wonders on my stressed out body and mind and I was still able to focus and function.

December 8th strains of the week:

This week, we found some strains that we just didn't like. I guess  learning about cannabis is just like learning about wine.  You got to drink some vinegars,  before you find your favorite vintage. This week we found some buds that were just duds!

Black Mamba: Black Mamba is an indica-dominant cannabis strain that is known for its perfume aroma, grape taste, and long-lasting effects. It was named after the deadly African snake, so it’s no surprise that this strain is known for being strong (it might just knock less experienced users into nap time). The genetics of this strain are unknown, but its characteristics seem to support the theory that it is a descendent of Granddaddy Purple and maybe Black Domina.  For us, this strain just slayed us.  Two tokes and we were down for the count.  I guess if you want to use this strain for sleep only, then this is your bud!  Other than that, this strain is far too sedating for us.

Chiquita Banana: Chiquita Banana is described by Leafly as an evenly balanced hybrid (50% indica/50% sativa) strain created through crossing the delicious OG Kush X Banana strains.  What that means is that the strain's uplifting and relaxing effects should be evenly balanced.  We however did not find that balance.  In fact, we suffered tinnitus, which is ringing in our ears and in this case in our head too.  Surprisingly this strain seemed to cause agitation and made us feel irritable and angry.  We will avoid all banana strains from here on in.  A head buzz is not a peaceful state.  In fact, this is the first strain that we actually threw out....ouch!

December 1st Strains of the week:

It's December and here in San Diego we are one month away from cannabis becoming recreation-ally and medicinally legal.  As we move closer to that date,  I continue to discover and uncover so many new innovations happening in the cannabis world. This week I was introduced to several new products when I attended "Danksgiving", a "sesh" that was held in honor of Thanksgiving, which was really a cannabis vendor event.  During the event, I met many vendors and tried many new strains.  Here are two that caught my "high":

Peanut Butter Breath: This is a relatively new strain to the cannabis industry.  PB Breath is known to be a fairly even 50/50 hybrid and has been traced back to Dosidos x Mendobreath f2. The nugs in this plant are usually smaller, very dense, covered in frosty keef, and give off a very light green coloring. The name is however is somewhat misleading when it comes to the smell and taste of this bud.  The Peanut Butter Breath that I smoked smelled and tasted like fresh pine with an herbal, earthy finish.  I like this strain and it is a great smoke for anyone who wants to kick back, relax, and maybe grab a few munchies! 

White Tahoe Cookies:  This strain perhaps is the most balanced hybrid which I've tried to date.  It's taste, smell and appearance scream artisan and fine craftsmanship.  White Tahoe Cookie is an indica dominant hybrid strain created by the masterminds at Kush4Breakfast .  White Tahoe Cookies is a beautiful mix of The White, Tahoe OG and Girl Scout Cookies.  I could truly taste the love that was put into this strain and it's one that I will definitely look for again and again!

November 23th Strains of the Week: 

It's the week of Thanksgiving and I am grateful for the variety and the advancements in today's cannabis market.  During this hectic week, I chose an old time, hard hitting sativa, J1.  I have smoked J1 in the past but this batch grown by Infinity Farms, seemed more uplifting and energizing than I remembered it.  It is definitely a relative of Jack Herer and at times made me feel a bit jumpy.  However, when I needed the boost to focus and get "shit" done, J1 did the trick.  For the official description check out Leafly.

The second strain that I can recommend is King Louis XIII.  King Louis XIII might be most famous for making the men in his kingdom wear wigs.  But, in Southern California, his name has a whole 'nother connotation, bringing to mind a popular indica-dominant strain. This royal strain announces itself as many people did in the 1600s: by its distinctive aroma.  Its dense nugs have an overwhelmingly piney smell with an earthy musk that will have you thinking of that you've landed in a forest adventure. Bred in part from OG Kush, Louis XIII has a very similar spicy kush aroma. It is known be good for insomnia and the strain often tests at over 20% THC.  For me, this strain is exactly what I needed when I was ready to shut out the world, listen to some good music and chill.  I mixed it with some of my leftover J1 and found my homemade hybrid was a super invention-the two intense strain combined into a nicely balanced effect.  How I do love leftovers!

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I had one of the best Thanksgivings than I can remember in years.  I truly hope that you did too!  Good food, good friends and good weed.  All is truly well in my world!

November 16th Strains of the Week: Clementine

Admittedly, we are still cannabis newbies and have just begun to become discerning cannabis connoisseurs.  To us, cannabis, was weed that we bought from some unknown guy after many failed attempts of hooking up.  Becoming educated about cannabis is very similar to learning vintages of wine.  Just like it takes great skill to make a fine wine vintage, it takes that same skill and artistry to create the perfect strain that  produces the exact effects you are looking for. Cannabis however unlike wine, doesn't leave you hungover after consuming the invisible but insidious killer, sugar. 

All that being said, we have a tendency to choose Sativa strains, which are strains that elevate your mood, give you energy and a multitude of other good feelings. They are strains to be used during the day and will help you stay focused and on task. Today's choice was Clementine, a sativa strain that Leafly tells us that Clementine has a " sweet, citrus flavored sativa hybrid that combines Tangie with Lemon Skunk genetics. The concentrated live resin of Clementine from Crocket Family Farms took home 2nd Place for the Best Sativa Concentrate at the 2015 Cannabis Cup in Michigan." 

To us, Clementine definitely lived up to its Tangie taste reputation,  which is lemony and a bit of grapefruit.  This sativa is balanced and doesn't make you feel antsy or jumpy.  It acts very much like a well balanced sativa hybrid.  We definitely will put it on the "heavy rotation" list!

Our second favorite strain of the week is Do-Si-Dos. which  is an indica dominant strain that promotes relaxation, decreases anxiety and some strains even help you to fall sleep.  Do-Si-Dos to us, however, did not feel like a regular indica strain that have a tendency to put you "in da couch", rendering you completely non functional.  Do Si Dos does mellow you out but, you can still continue to function and get stuff done.  We also found it promoted more creativity and productivity than most indica strains.  Finally, we liked the taste of Do-Si-Dos, which is similar to Durbon Poison, citrusy with a hint of "diesel" in the background. 

Here's Leafly's official description: Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid with qualities similar to its parent, Girl Scout Cookies. With glittering trichomes, bright pistils, and lime green and lavender leaves, this strain is a feast for eyes. Its aroma is pungent, sweet, and earthy with slight floral funkiness. These classic OG aromas blend nicely with medical-grade body effects that lean toward the sedative side with the addition of Face Off OG genetics."

Leafly ended it's description with "You will enjoy a stoney, in-your-face buzz from start, which melts down over the body, causing relaxation and peace to emanate outward." And so it was:)!