Strain Type: Pure Sativa             Strain Lineage: Unknown

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

PCC Report:

Medical Marijuana has long had to sift through the stuff of legend, only to find a small kernel of truth.  From a mysterious lineage to an exotic taste, much of what is known is passed down, and not always correctly.  Fortunately, that information is not always necessary in order to objectively review something.  My current review is no different, purportedly representing the near-legendary pure Sativa strain that Bob Marley favored most: Lambsbread.

At a glance, Lambsbread encompasses all that you could really expect in a Sativa: light green coloring, long spear-like buds, and an overabundance of small resin heads.  The buds themselves have a more compact look to the calyxes, offering little by way of space between them, but not quite as swollen and rounded as a Jack Herer.  The sheer amount of resin heads help to give the herb a much lighter shade, visually more impressive and appealing than many other pure Sativas.  That being said, I can hardly wait to get my nose in the bag.

Looks are rarely the defining characteristic of a Sativa – typically they are known for their complexity of taste and smell.  Lambsbread is no different, offering a scent that leaves most people scratching their heads.  Initially your nose catches hints of citrus and fruit, followed by an underlying sour stench.  Although neither smell is particularly overwhelming, the combination leaves me thinking “yogurt”, and contemplating how its flavor will come together.

In order to test that flavor, I need to choose a consumption method and what better than my usual, and Bob Marley’s usual, a joint. Upon grinding up the herb I notice that it is at the tale-end of when I would prefer it to be cured, slightly more dry, creating a more difficult roll and making me worry that the flavor may be compromised.  However, with the deconstruction of the bud also becomes a better appreciation of the smell and that has increased dramatically.  The roll goes without a hitch, and before I know it I am happily half way through.

The taste of Lambsbread has to be the real standout: starts off light and citrusy with a hint of tartness, develops nicely into the more well-rounded flavor in the middle, and finishes thick and sweet.  Delicious and complex, it’s a good thing that it is a Sativa, otherwise I may find myself more medicated than I had intended.

The experience from Lamsbread is quite comparable to other well-known sativa’s.  Fast acting, an initial rush to your head lets you know what is coming and before long you are happily medicated.  The high is uplifting and psychoactive, not quite as high-functioning as some other pure-sativa’s, but longer lasting, allowing you to medicate fewer times throughout the day.

Regardless of what Bob Marley thought, Lambsbread is an ideal medication for daytime consumption, a catalyst for many outdoor activities that will lift your spirits and combat depression.

Strain Type: Mostly Sativa              Strain Lineage: Unknown

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

PCC Report:

If you’re familiar with my other reviews, or just familiar with medical marijuana in general, then it will come as no surprise when I say that misnomers are in abundance.  If you’ve never realized this, fear not; equipped with knowledge, instead of names, you will be better suited to find a strain that will work best for you.  Strains receive different names for many different reasons, not always as a reference or guide to their effect.  Some are named for color, some for smell, and in this week’s case their strong potency.  For this review I get a chance to look at one of my very favorite Sativa’s:  Strawberry Kush.

I needed to preface this week’s review, because within the medical marijuana community “kush” is typically a term used to refer to indica’s whose genetic origins are within the Kush mountain range.  It’s also been wrongly used to identify “OG Kush”, which in fact has no known Kush genetics in it’s makeup, but merely had a similar bud formation to the traditional Kush, hence the name.  What this all means ,is that to my palate, Strawberry Kush has little in common with any other KushI have had, and was probably named based on it’s presumed potency.

At a glance, Strawberry Kush has a great familiarity with other sativas.  The bud structure has more spacing, giving it a less compact look, really filling out the bag.  The pistils have receded quite a bit less than on an Indica, instead surrounding the bud and giving it that furry look.  The color of the pistils varies from orange to pink, giving the overall bud an orangey-hue.  The bud itself is a key-lime color with shadings of amber.  Like most sativas though, its scent is what really makes it stand out.

Strawberry Kush - Sativa - PCC

Upon first whiff, many peoples reaction is to draw their nose away.  Strawberry Kush indeed has quite an odiferous character.  My senses are nearly over-saturated with the aroma of pine and citrus, but as I exhale I detect a much sweeter, almost warmer, hint of what I would most closely relate to…strawberries.  Where I may be unable to detect the ‘kush’ aspect of Strawberry Kush, the ‘strawberry’ seems to be quite noticeable.  Nothing could make me more excited to give it a sampling.

As I mentioned earlier,  Strawberry Kush has been one of my personal favorite sativas for quite some time.  For this reason I am well aware of what to expect from this sample, and choose to enjoy it right before work.  After rolling up a joint, I sample it’s dry pull and am pleased by how much the strawberry flavor has increased.  Unable to wait, my first couple of drags reward me with a lip-smacking combination of citrus and strawberry.  As usual, I found the flavor continued to develop into a thicker, sweeter smoke nearing the middle and end of the joint.

The effect is near immediate, an enhancing of just about every sense: colors are more vibrant, textures more complex, and sounds and smells more titillating.  With this also came an alertness and a pro-activity, which in my case spurred me to start my day.  I find Strawberry Kush to be one of the most effective day-time medications;it provides energy and motivation, coupled with an uplifting sensation which helps banish depression, making it an ideal pairing for anyone with those gloomy mornings.

Strawberry Kush - Mostly Sativa - PCC

Strain Type: Sativa/Indica                    Strain Lineage: Skunk #1

Medicinal Uses: Appetite, ADD, Depression, Nausea, Anxiety, PTSD, Glaucoma, Migraines, AIDS, Cancer, Alcoholism, Anorexia.

PCC Report:

Cannabis is perhaps most often identified by its pungent scent. People almost universally acknowledge it as having particularly odiferous properties. Multi-faceted in its profile, cannabis can elicit a range of smells from sour and piney to fruity and cloyingly sweet to anywhere in between. It is difficult to ascribe any one scent, or even group of scents, to cannabis. However, there has always been one animal associated with the strength of marijuana’s stink: skunk.

For this weeks review, I get a chance to look at one of my very favorite skunk strains: Island Sweet Skunk. A sativa heavy hybrid, Island Sweet Skunk is most often considered a phenotype of Skunk #1 or a close relative. They certainly share similarities in appearance, displaying the same shade of light green. The bud structure on the Island Sweet Skunk is a bit more airy, tending more towards the sativa side. This difference helps indicate that it will be a more mental and uplifting experience. Although the buds are not quite as dense as you would see in an indica heavy hybrid, the sample I’ve been provided has a golden sheen to it from its generous coating of resin.

Now I’d be lying to you if I said I waited until this point to crack open a bag and sample the smell. In fact, before even glancing at the front of the bag I have a nose full of skunky perfume. A truly complex scent greets me: a savory and sweet juxtaposition that gives me the impression that my nostrils want to fight one another. These warring sensations serve to entice rather than repulse like it’s animal namesake.

For this review I decided to try something new: sampling from a bong. The airy bud structure, coupled with previous knowledge of course, makes me think that rolling this particular strain would be less pleasant. Often, sativa-heavy hybrids will end up far too springy, making it difficult for me to form it into the desired shape. Just for ease of consumption, I’ve decided to use my water pipe. The hit is smooth and strong, with a citrusy kick. The onset of the high is very rapid, happening just as I finished my first bowl. The strength of this particular sample left me reeling, but it quickly settled into the energetic and uplifting high I had been expecting. All in all, I am pleased by how high-functioning the experience was, making it a viable option for all you Jack Herer lovers out there.

Strain Type: Sativa/Indica                            Strain Lineage: Skunk #1 x Afghani Kush

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

PCC Report:

Unsurprisingly, strain reviews have become something that I look forward to. Most of the time I will arrive at work and one of my bosses will kindly propose a review of something delectable. This week, however, I couldn’t resist changing things up.  After purchasing and enjoying an eighth of Cheese, I felt obligated to request a review.

A cross of Skunk #1 and Afghani Kush, Cheese represents a well-balanced and power-packed hybrid. Its appearance harkens back to the Kush side of the family, displaying towering plump buds that are elongated by its sativa side. Cheese sports a deeper, more lime green color, lacking the paleness that some strains engender through sheer trichome coverage.  Although not quite as eye-catching as strains like Mk-Ultra or Jack Herer, Cheese should not be discounted for it has transformative taste and effect.

As soon as the bag is cracked you know it is Cheese. One of those strains that just reek, Cheese attacks your nose from all angles.  Like many types of cannabis, the smell of Cheese has an almost indescribable complexity: piney notes that sting your nostrils; a deep fruity scent, almost on the verge of being spoiled; and an underlying skunk.  All of these sensations combine into one multi-faceted perfume: Cheese.

After burying my nose in the bag, I can’t help but give it a real sampling. As ever I choose to roll one, finding a better appreciation of the overall taste from a joint. I find this batch to be very easy to grind and roll, something that I expect from high-grade medicine. The dry pull expands and enhances the fruity aspect of the herb, promising a quite enjoyable smoke. It doesn’t take long for me to locate my lighter and to no one’s surprise my efforts are rewarded with lip-smacking flavor.

Cheese’s effects correlate nicely with its lineage. I find it to be intensely psychoactive, offering a more uplifting and energetic experience than would normally be found in a Kush. That is not to say it is productive. Although it does not make me drowsy, it is difficult to function while medicated with Cheese – my mind is typically preoccupied.  One of the things I value most about Cheese is its similarity in effect to Afghani Goo. Both strains make me inordinately happy, enough so to reduce a grown man to giggles. For this reason, I feel very comfortable suggesting Cheese to people who specifically suffer from mood disorders like depression.

Genetics:
The genetics of the magnificent and coveted strain are unknown.  Unlike most purples, this plant grows with strong Sativa characteristics.  Rare and popular, this is one of the best Sativas available.

Flavor:
An earthy and peppery flavor containing mild hints of other spices.  Makes your mouth water as the multiple layers unfold.

Effect:
Clear and uplifting mental relief.   Great for hiking, meditating or tapping into your spiritual side.

Medicinal Recommendations:
Appetite, ADD, Depression, Nausea, Anxiety, PTSD, Glaucoma, Migraines, AIDS, Cancer, Alcoholism, Anorexia.

Purple God Trichomes - PCC Trading Card #17 - Sativa

Strain Type: Sativa                    Strain Lineage: South African Sativa

Medicinal Uses: ADD, Anxiety, Alcoholism, Appetite, Anorexia, Nausea, Glaucoma, AIDS, Cancer, Depression, Migraines, PTSD

PCC Report:

If I were to tell you that Poison was going to help you through your day, you may think I am crazy. Like many other strains in the medical community I find Durban Poison to be a misnomer, for harmful it is not. Reputedly originating from South Africa, breeders from Europe recognized the value of a pure sativa and brought it North in order to better stabilize the sativa traits. As a medical patient, I am always ecstatic to see pure sativas available: the challenges presented to providers can make them an absolute nightmare to grow indoors. That being said, they still bring a myriad of benefits that you can’t find in an indica and are fleeting in hybrids.

Durban Poison from PCC

Durban Poison’s appearance is right in character with its lineage. Its bud structure is often elongated, making the spear shaped cola common to sativas. While I find Durban to generally be darker in color, its pistils are often sprinkled with white. In many strains this may make me wary that it was possibly harvested too early, but not with Durban Poison. In Durban, this look means it is perfectly ripe and ready to go.

Almost everything about Durban Poison incites me to action. Even its smell is laced with fuel-like fumes, as if it intends to take you to the moon and back all by itself. After the first shock of redolence, your nose can begin to detect the more subtle pine and berry scents found in many sativa varieties. Because of the strength of the fragrance, I can expect to find a similar profile for the taste.

Like most high-grade medicine, I find Durban Poison to be easy to handle and roll up. The dry pull absolutely fills my mouth with its bouquet making me salivate with anticipation. I am rewarded for the first half of the joint which duplicates the scent perfectly and provides for me incredible taste combinations. One of the things it reminds me most of is light roasted coffee: undertones of lemon and fruit followed by a distinct bite. As the taste continues to get sweeter and spicier, your mind begins to take off.

Durban Poison’s effect is very intense and psychoactive for the first half and hour to forty five minutes. Its intensity can be a bit disorienting at first, but as it settles it is much easier to focus. The high gradually mellows into a more uplifting and energetic experience, offering you a number of active hours. Because of Durban’s demand that you do something productive, one of my co-workers has affectionately dubbed it “chore bud”. I find this name to be appropriate to many sativa-heavy strains for their high functionality and ability to make even the most onerous of drudge work pleasant. Although Durban Poison is less effective for appetite stimulation and pain relief, its ability to allow a patient to adequately focus makes it a valuable asset to the medical community. Durban’s effect helps to defy the stigmas that have surrounded marijuana users for decades, reminding people that you are not necessarily destined to melt into your couch and devour the remnants of your pantry.

Durban Poison Trichomes