Strain Type: Two strains, CBD rich.   Strain Lineage: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: Low Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Body relief without mental intoxication, Insomnia, Muscle Spasms, Nausea, MS, Gastrointestinal Issues, Arthritis.

PCC Report:

Despite the recent rise in popularity of CBD rich strains, many patients still remain unaware of their benefits.  At Berkeley Patients Care Collective, we consider it of the utmost importance to educate ourselves and our patients to the best of our abilities in order to better understand what cannabis can do for us.  For this reason, this weeks review will take a good hard look at two CBD rich strains: ‘Harlequin’ and ‘Terpene Queen’.

Harlequin - CBD rich strain.

After a toss of the coin I pick up my sample of Harlequin for a quick once over.  Upon first appraisal, I’m struck immediately by it’s appearance: dense and chunky, with buds larger than golf balls, but just as round.  Trichome coverage is impressive, specifically as I pull apart the bud, displaying a ripe amber sheen hinting at a well finished flower.  The scent that accompanies my examination is sweet and slightly earthy, with an underlying spiciness.  Harlequin’s look and smell seem a bit contrary to me, I am anxious to see how it will affect me.

Before I can get to testing, I need to take a look at our other sample: Terpene Queen.  Unlike Harlequin, I am not immediately struck by its appearance, nor overly impressed with the amount of trichome coverage.  I am, however, blown away by the complexity of scents emanating from the bag.  Bright and floral with just a touch of sweetness, Terpene Queen’s smell is more easily compared to that of a french perfume than a cannabis strain.  The overabundance of terpenes bodes well: they each have their own medicinal effect as well as imparting their own scent.

Although it is difficult to resist immediately sampling them both, I decide its best to take it slow and make sure not to miss any of the subtleties in affect.  First is my coin toss winner, Harlequin.  To keep things easy, I roll my usual joint.  The dry-pull yields a more saturated melon flavor, with a tickle of spiciness at the end.  The smoke is enjoyable, but nothing of note, the onset of effect however is quite fast and certainly worth remark. A general easing of the body, coupled with mild mental relaxation, makes for a very medicinally beneficial herb.  The high is functionally clear, the hallmark of CBD, tempered with deep physical relief, allowing the patient to focus as needed without impediment.  Because of Harlequin’s significant pain-relieving physical effect, and overall benefits as a relaxation aid, I would recommend it for evening use, a way to unwind after a long day and take care of the aches and pains.

While I was excited to try Harlequin, the smell of Terpene Queen still had me dreaming.  It seemed only right and fair to roll a joint, the better to appreciate the subtleties in flavor.  Despite my efforts, I find the taste to be much less complex than the smell, while still remaining enjoyable.  The effect was something different entirely: a more subtle physical effect paired with an uplifting and almost completely clear mental stimulation.  While this may not sound ideal to some patients, it is perfect for those who desire relief without the risk of feeling over-medicated or out of sorts.  Although it doesn’t energize me like some Sativa’s, Terpene Queen offers an alternative for days when I desire something on the milder side.

Terpene Queen - CBD rich strain

After a thorough testing of both, I feel they each have their own benefits.  Both exhibit the characteristic pain-relieving and high-functioning clear effect of CBD, just expressed differently. While I found the physical heaviness of Harlequin to be excellent for the evening, I found the relaxing aspect of it to be too much for the day, where I preferred the clarity of it’s counterpart Terpene Queen.  I feel both have really whet my appetite for CBD, I look forward to seeing what else will come of it.

Strain Type: Mostly Indica             Strain Lineage: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: Pain, Nausea, Appetite, MS, Depression, PTSD, ADD, Glaucoma, Migraines, Gastrointestinal Issues, AIDS, Cancer, Epilepsy, Alcoholism, Arthritis, Anorexia.

PCC Report:

If you haven’t noticed from my previous reviews, I have a deep appreciation for cannabis.  Much of this lies in its continued ability to surprise me.  Cannabis is a shape shifter, able to express so many different traits as to make one sample nearly unidentifiable to another. We see this in the vast variety of it’s effects: from our heavy hitting indicas, to our strong psychoactive hybrids, to the very antithesis of the ‘stoner stereotype’ found in energetic and motivating sativas.  But cannabis doesn’t just have variations in effect, but also in a wide range of smells and tastes.  The sample I have been provided for this review is one of the most unique smells I have found in the cannabis world, even though it is the very embodiment of its namesake: Maple.

Maple - Indica - PCC

I always begin my review’s the same way in which I began examining the sample, so I see no reason to change things up this time. Unlike previous reviews, I didn’t bother even glancing at the bud first, I wanted to give my nose first crack.  To my amazement, my nose was accosted with the syrupy sweet smell of short stacks.  Without a doubt, this had to be the most accurate description of a smell I had encountered in the medical cannabis.  Hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and an overlying sweetness that absolutely fills your nose.  It seemed only fair that I at least give it a thorough examination before I greedily sampled.

The appearance of Maple was also somewhat expected.  It’s smell is one that I associate closest with older Afghani genetics, and based on its appearance I would say that assumption is correct.  Almost entirely coated with resin heads, much of the bud looks more white than green.  Despite being more  airy than a typical indica,  the bud structure still has similarities to Romulan.  Regardless of it’s looks, with the smell of maple still lingering in my nose I can’t help but give it a sample.

Maple bud sitting atop my new Mobius Micro Pipe

Instead of my typical joint, I decided to smoke out of my newly acquired Mobius Micro.  For those folks unfamiliar with glass pieces, this is basically a water pipe, or bong,with extra percolation.  The water functions to filter out some of the tars that you don’t necessarily want or need in your lungs.  That being said, it’s a nice change for someone who typically smokes exclusively joints.  The taste is not quite as exact or true to the herb I have found, but in well cleaned piece you will still be able to adequately evaluate it.

In this case, the Maple smell promised more than the Maple taste.  That is not to discredit the taste, which was superb in its own right, but it was a far cry from the breakfast pancakes I was hoping for.  Much more of the presumed Kush genetics I had earlier hypothesized show through in the taste, adding an earthy hint of sour that coats your mouth.  As expected, it continued to get sweeter as you smoke it.  The onset of its effect is fairly quick, and quite enjoyable at that!

Although Maple may have an incredible smell, it has nothing on it’s effect.  Rapid with its onset, but a far cry from intense, Maple is an overall mood enhancing strain.  Relaxing and physical, it eases your body and mind simultaneously, leaving the patient literally laughably pleased.  Ideal for anyone who needs to unwind after a stressful day.  Great for social interactions as well, however beware, in excess Maple does have a propensity to make me hungry and lethargic.

Maple bud with Full size image of Mobius Micro WaterPipe

Although I must admit a preference for the more upbeat, energetic sativa’s, I do have a certain fondness for a good indica.  Ideally, I look for indica’s that will provide the calming sensation I need after a long day, something that will make my whole body feel good and relax any leftover tension.  Often I’ll find something with adequate potency, only to be dismayed by its soporific effect, which can leave me less than productive.  On rare occasions I’ll find a strain that is spot on for the effect I want: relieving but not overpowering, subtle but not underwhelming.  My current review finds itself in that niche and not just because of my love of its namesake: Chocolate

With a name like Chocolate, what exactly can you expect?  A predominantly indica strain, most folks agree that it’s lineage probably contains some sort of Afghani Kush.  It’s appearance certainly shares similarities with other indica-dominant kush’s: chunky bud structure, darker green leaves and a much lighter pale-amber coloring to the flower’s themselves, probably owing to the fact that its enveloped in resin.  Unlike many of it’s kush counterparts however, Chocolate sports calyxes that are more swollen and developed than compact and dense.   Although an impressive bud, nothing about it’s appearance screamed ‘Chocolate’, making me wonder if it were named more for its smell and taste.

With that in mind, I was expecting, or rather dreaming, that it would somehow smell like dark, rich hot chocolate.  While that certainly isn’t the scent that I grab from the bag, I definitely find the smell on the unusual side.  Lacking the true depth of chocolate, it’s aroma seems more like a subtle combination of vanilla and maple.

Once ground it has a sharp citrus sour, displaying a depth and complexity I was unable to appreciate just from the bag.  The combination of odors and appearance always whets my appetite for a good sampling.

Unlike many predominantly indica strains, I do not find Chocolate particularly easy to roll.  Instead of breaking down to a finer sand-like consistency, the larger calyx structure makes for a much chunkier grind.  While rolling, I find myself fighting it into shape much more; a frustrating situation and not one most patients want to deal with.  For that reason, I would probably recommend some other consumption method.

THC sparkle - Chocolate - Indica - PCC

Despite a difficult roll, the experience is just what I was looking for.  At first, the taste gives you the best idea of ‘chocolate’: the near cloying combination of vanilla and maple, interspersed with a tickle of what I can only place as cinnamon.  Although I’m not exactly screaming “Ghirardelli!”, I do find these flavors and sensations to be a welcome change and an interesting tease to my pallet.  As I continued to smoke, the taste develops into the more familiar mouth-watering kush sweetness.  Like many kush’s, the onset of the high is almost immediate: a rapid mental effect that eases your mind and plants a smile on your lips, while a tingling sensation spreads to your limbs and relaxes your body.  I find it perfect for the times I need to relax and decompress after a long day.

I would highly, no pun intended, recommend Chocolate to folks looking for a solid indica that will lift your spirits and ease your pain, without that inherent heaviness that can make folks too lethargic.

Strain Type: Mostly Indica             Strain Lineage: Purple Urkle x Big Bud

Medicinal Uses: Pain, Insomnia, Muscle spasms, Nausea, Appetite, MS, Anxiety, PTSD, Glaucoma, Migraines, Gastrointestinal Issues, AIDS, Cancer, Epilepsy, Alcoholism, Arthritis, Anorexia.

PCC Report:

If your up-bringing was anything like mine, you were taught not to judge a book by its cover.  The depth and complexity of something should not be simplified to its outside appearance.  In the world of cannabis, however, the looks of a strain will give you invaluable insight into what its potential effects may be.  This week’s review is particularly eye catching with its deep purple countenance: Granddaddy Purple.

Often I am surprised by what people try to pass off as “purple”.  Regarding high grade cannabis, purple means purple, not a smattering of green and a hint of lavender.  This is the first thing I think about upon examining this week’s sample.  I had little to fear from this provider’s Granddaddy Purple however, it displays all the hallmarks of a true champ: large buds, densely packed calyxes, and a dark shade of purple.  In general, its appearance is a reflection of the provider’s ability to grow, but its color has much more to do with its genetics, revealing quality stock.  Because Granddaddy is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, it can have a slight green influence but tends to be heavily purple dominant.  I can imagine the goal of the breeder being to create large beautiful purple buds: mission accomplished!

What does a strain that looks so interesting smell like?  As ever I can’t wait to get the bag open and before I know it my nose is immersed.  Unlike many strains, Granddaddy Purple has a much more subtle smell, subdued almost, probably because of the density of the buds themselves.  The scent it does provide is fruity and musky, lacking the sharpness that many of my previous reviews have had.  If experience tells me anything though, there is much more lurking beneath the surface of Granddaddy Purple.

Because of the nature of Granddaddy Purple, bred from two indicas, I thought it prudent to sample sometime later in the day, closer to my bed time.  As I had anticipated, the ground-up GDP emits a much stronger bouquet, enhancing the original scent and preparing my taste buds.  I am rewarded with thick flavorful smoke, bursting with the tell-tale purple-grape flavor.

As I had anticipated, Granddaddy Purple is on the strong side.  The first couple times sampled it will probably be most effective as a sleep aid; it also stimulates your appetite, but if food is not within arms distance there is a good chance you won’t bother.  One of the things I value most about GDP is its potentiality to make me feel good: mind and body.  Its ability to ease any aches and pains as well as bring me a sense of euphoria helps me chase away even the gloomiest of days.

Granddaddy Purple PCC Cannabis Trading Card - Number 3

Genetics:

A very special hyrbid of Afghani and D.J. Short’s Blueberry.  Available by clone only. Known for it’s bright green, creamy and purple buds.

Flavor:

The sweet aroma is rich and fruity like blackberry pie, with a sweet and candy-like flavor.  Leaves a long lasting taste in your mouth.

Effect:

Relaxes the body.  Clears the mind.  Great from strong physical relief while still being able to function.

Medicinal Recommendations:

Daytime pain relief, Nausea, Appetite, MS, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Glaucoma, Migraines, Gastrointestinal Issues, AIDS, Cancer, Epilepsy, Alcoholism, Anorexia.

Genetics:

Part of the “Blue” family created by DJ Short.  Easy to grow, with a short height and generous trichome production.

Flavor:

A thick rich burst of fruitiness that is sweet like a blueberry milkshake.  Smooth but very expansive when inhaled.

Effect:

Provides a heavy and deep physical relief, with a strong euphoria and long lasting mental stimulation.

Medicinal Recommendations:

Chronic Pain, Appetite, Insomnia, Muscle Spasms, Nausea, MS, Anxiety, PTSD, Glaucoma, Migraines, Gastrointestinal Issues,  AIDS, Cancer, Epilepsy, Alcoholism, Anorexia.

Blue Moonshine Trichomes