Marijuana Review: 12th Man Down by Phat Panda

October 10, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

It may be a bye week, but we live in Seattle dammit and it’s time to do a Seahawks themed strain because, y’know… go Hawks, and “why not you”, and – yeah. So break out your blue/green attire, and dig the sativa hybrid known as 12th Man Down.

Made by Phat Panda, we picked up an eighth at Bellevue’s Green-Theory for $39 (a smokin’ deal). Coincidentally, I had chosen to visit the shop during a “flash sale” (only lasting 3-4 hours, often only publicized on social media), and the budtender (Gilly) strongly recommend the specific strain on sale.

According to Gilly, the strain was basically Girl Scout Cookies – but renamed. Being a big fan of Cookies, I was intrigued and wanted to take on this Hawks themed iteration.

Phat Panda is based out of Spokane, and they have a wide selection of strains available. I would consider their products on the “higher end” of the recreational market, usually costing upwards of $50-$60 for an eighth – still the potency is there, and they haven’t let me down yet.

Let’s dish on some Strain Specifics:
Total: 19%
Total Cannabinoids: 22%

Strain: 12th Man Down
Species: Sativa Dominant Hybrid (60/40)
Date Harvested: 06/23/16
Smell: Pine + Soap
Taste: Funky + Gasoline
Launch Point: Three to five minutes after smoking.
High: Giddy + Balanced + Versatile

According to the budtender, 12th Man Down is Thin Mints – which is actually Girl Scout Cookies (I touched on this in the intro). Basically this strain is beloved for it’s ability to give relaxing vibes yet not sedate heavily, and it’s powerful head high.

12th Man Down is highly crystallized. The color is like a light green, seemingly glowing under the bright lights. The buds were crisp and burnt well after being ground up.

After snapping a bud apart, it was apparent there was a pine-sol like aroma in the room. That strange combination of synthetic floor cleaner (all purpose?) and earthy soil smell, it’s one of my favorites. The taste was notably gasoline-y (or rubbery, depending on your taste buds). Still good, though!

Okay so I’ve been on what we call a “bender” for a few weeks (thank you fresh hop season), and as a result I’ve been looking for strains that provide me with the strength to press on. 12th Man Down may sound like a songfest – but it brings you “up”, despite the name.

There was mild sedation with the strain, though that’s to be expected. Some times we all just need to remember that life’s too short to smoke bad weed. If this strain seems like your kind of ticket, then you can find Phat Panda products at Green-Theory, and probably at your favorite pot shop.

Go Hawks!

Marijuana Review: Black Jack by Sweet As!

October 3, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

It’s been pretty warm lately, despite the fact it’s fall. I’ve take some time off to enjoy the warmth while it’s still here (among other things), so it seems fitting to jam in one last “sunny day” strain, before all the leaves fall. This week we bring you Black Jack by Sweet As!.

I picked up an eighth for $40 from American Mary in Wallingford (look for the ominous green doors). The budtender I spoke with recommended this strain and he definitely steered me in the right direction.

Sweet As! Cannabis is owned by Green Freedom, based out of Elma, WA. These NW producers have a high standard when it comes to growing marijuana. Having a foundation in the medical scene, Sweet As! focuses on solid genetics, quality nutrients, organic pest control and strict environmental control.

Enough about the producer let’s chat about the weed – specifics please:

THC: 1.35%
THCA: 19.7%
Total: 18.6%
CBDA: 0.10%
CBD: 0.00%
Toal cannabinoids: 22.20%

Strain: Black Jack
Species: Hybrid (Sativa Dominant)
Date Harvested:
Smell: Mango + Pepper/Spices
Taste: Sweet + Earthy
Launch Point: Almost immediate
High: Euphoria + Good Vibes + Sunny Day

Bred from Black Domina x Jack Herer, Black Jack is often used in the medical community because of it’s high THC levels. This strain melts away stress, anxiety – but at the same time encourages getting out from beyond your couch. Makes you more relaxed, give you energy; the perfect combo.

The bud was thick and crusted with kief. After a spell in the grinder, Black Jack burned smooth out of a pipe. It’s always nice to get a giant nug, “yes the giant weed flower is my co-pilot” (it’s big enough to be a person is what I’m tediously getting at).

Sniffing the bud, there was a definite fruity-mango scent accompanied with notes of pepper and spice. The flavor was earthy, and sweet. I was not expecting such a tropical vibe from the strain.

Getting high with Black Jack is euphoric and engrossing. It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts, or the view in front of you. This strain demands your attention, but in a way that is welcoming – not an abrasive high by any means.

My favorite thing to do with this strain just get out and walk. Breath in some fresh air, and find something or somewhere new. Black Jack is a special strain, and it can lead you towards adventure. Sedation is minimal, it’s easy to keep forging ahead even after the high fades.

Sweet As products are available at American Mary (Wallingford), among other pot shops in the Seattle area.

Marijuana Review: 9 LB x Strawberry by Clandestine Gardens

September 14, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

Fresh hop season is here, so it’s time for me to pair my favorite flowers with my other favorite flowers. This week we have 9 LB x Strawberry Cough from Clandestine Gardens, which we acquired from Have a Heart in Fremont for $45/eighth.

We’ve checked out Clandestine before, and the results were always positive. Naturally I’m a sucker for a good strawberry cough, and this strain certainly fits the bill. Super heavy, kind of a sativa with the knockout of an indica.

Each strain from Clandestine has a logo/image to go alongside the bud. Not only that, but the producer provides a stick-on tattoo of the imagery as well. At this point I’m saving up all my Clandestine tattoos, and one night I’ll just cover myself in them and go crazy.

The producer uses LED lighting to grow their plants. Owned by two local brothers, the focus seems to be on procuring masterful nugs, taking skate breaks on lunch, having a good sense of humor (look at the about page), and of course the stick-on tattoos. Can I work for you, Clandestine? Please?

Let’s talk about some weed:

THC: 0.5%
THCA: 32.4%
CBD: 0%
CBDA: 0%
Total: 28.9%

Strain: 9 LB x Strawberry Cough
Species: Sativa
Date Harvested: 08/02/16
Smell: Skunky + Fruity
Taste: Gasoline + Berry + Sour
Launch Point: Almost immediately.
High: Energy + Euphoria + Forever Heavy

Known for being a potent sativa, Strawberry Cough has a notoriety amongst most seasoned smokers as providing a clear high. Typically it can be used to help with anxiety in social situations, and alleviate stress in general.

Crystallized and crisp, 9 LB (which is what I will henceforth refer to it as to avoid the long name) looks lovely. It’s clear the buds have been cured to perfection, as is the Clandestine way. After a tumble through the grinder, the strain burned smooth. No bits of seeds or thick stems.

When snapping a bud apart, the smell was apparent immediately. Something skunky that’s also fruity, an alluring pungency. The flavor was sour, with a hint of gasoline – it had a funk, that’s for sure. All the while there was a persistent note of berry.

The high was dense, and powerful – like casting some sort of stupefying spell upon yourself. Normally I’m more inclined towards lighter experiences, but every once and awhile we all need a good frying pan to the noggin. Definitely keep this in mind if you stumble across 9 LB and find yourself wanting.

Honestly sometimes it felt like there was 9 pounds of high pressing down on me, this can be good and bad (depending on when you were smoking the strain). I would call this a “night out” experience, you’d want to incorporate it into situation that isn’t sitting around at home. Personally I found the high a little too intense for just vegging out, and felt the need to venture (specifically to Fremont Brewery for fresh hop splendor).

Clandestine Gardens has carved their way into my heart, if you haven’t had a chance to pickup any flower from the the producer then you need to treat yo’ self. Find their products at: American Mary (Wallingford), Have-a-Heart (Fremont/Skyway/Greenwood), and The Novel Tree (Bellevue).

Marijuana Review: Blueberry by Noble Farms

September 5, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

We’re just wrapping up blueberry season here in Washington state; so what better a way to celebrate the blue, tart ‘n sweet fruit with some delicious buds that share the name? This week we present to you the Sativa dominant hybrid Blueberry, cultivated by Noble Farms.

We picked up the bud at Have-A-Heart* in Fremont for $35-$40 (somewhere in between). Noble’s nugs are available at a variety of locations, check out the Store Locater for a list of pot shops that stock their product.

Here at High Above Seattle, we like to try several strains/items from a producer before making any lasting judgement. Having checked out Noble Farms before, it’s worth mentioning that last time around wasn’t the best strain we’ve ever had (Ace of Spades) – but I must say that Blueberry far exceeded my expectations, and undeniably warrants a recommendation.

Noble Farms is based out of Tacoma, and they grow using natural methods that are pesticide free. The growing operation is thoroughly maintained for the wellbeing of the plant, first and foremost. I’ve seen a multitude of classic strains available from the producer, they seem to have a knack for selecting popular genetics.

Let’s talk about the strain at hand, though:

THC: 23.3%
CBD: <0.1%
Total: 25.1%

Strain: Blueberry
Species: Hybrid (Sativa Dominant 60/40)
Harvested: 07/27/16
Smell: Fruit Punch + Cheese
Taste: Blueberry Pie
Launch Point: 4-5 minutes after smoking
High: Relaxed + Versatile + Relieves Stress

Around since the 1970’s, Blueberry is medically prescribed for it’s ability to help with stress and pain. There are several iterations in terms of species, but it typically appears as an indica. Accolades include “Best Indica” for the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2000.

Blueberry has a lovely purple tint to it’s lush green. Frosted in kief, the nugs are pretty and felt fresh when snapped apart. After using a grinder, the buds burned smoothly in my li’l pipe.

Taking a whiff, there are definite notes of fruit punch with an undercurrent of cheesy-funkiness. Discerning taste is difficult when a strain is named after a specific food, as it’s easy to give into the knee jerk reaction and let bias take hold; but I kid you not, Blueberry tasted like blueberry pie (on several occasions). It’s not the placebo effect, the flavor was there.

Getting stoned with this hybrid strain is extremely versatile. Having sativa dominance allows for a fresh, carefree experience to be the forefront – while properties from the indica provide a relaxing body vibe; the combination allows for beneficial usage at anytime.

I’d smoke Blueberry in the mornings/afternoons for energy, and then use it to help fall asleep at night. For some reason, it seemed like it had a “willing sedation” that could be controlled by the user. Don’t want to be burnt out? You won’t! Time to pass out? See ‘ya! It’s this kind of duality that I love in a strain.

I’m stoked on Blueberry from Noble Farms, and I’d certainly say it’s High Above Seattle-Approved. You can find Noble products at: American Mary (Wallingford), Have-A-Heart (Fremont/Shoreline/Skyway), among other Seattle-area pot shops.

*Have-A-Heart advertises on High Above Seattle. This is no way influences the purchase of product, or the review. If it’s not good weed, it’s not worth writing about.

Edible Review: Oatmeal Cookie by Magic Kitchen

August 15, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

Lately I’ve been getting more into edibles; portable, discreet, and easy. Flowers and wax go straight to the dome, which certainly has it’s time and place – but sometimes we all just want that slow build. A steady, pulsing high that exponentially builds and culminates in a lasting peak. Who wouldn’t want that? We’re talking about the same thing, right?

Magic Kitchen is a brand under NorthWest Cannabis Solutions (NWCS, for short). This edible-only offshoot offers cookies, chocolate truffles, gummies and more. I typically get a pack of four 10mg cookies for $10, so expect to see similar prices at your local pot shop. Don’t know where to get Magic Kitchen/NWCS products? Pop on down to the end of the review for a couple suggestions on where to snag some cookies and whatnot.

Looking at the producer’s website, there is a small blurb about the edible branch: “A full line of delicious sweets from the kitchen of our Master Chef”. As expected, they’ve clearly got Gordan Ramsey slaving away on some first-class chronic treats. I dig the chocolates, and the cookies – but the gummy was meh. It’s all subjective, just thought I’d share my thoughts. I’m a traditionalist, what can I say? I also like cookies in general, go figure.

Show me the specifics:

THC: 10mg per serving

Subject: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Manufactured: 05/06/16
Best by: 11/06/16
Launch Point: start feeling it 20-30 minutes after consuming
High: Creeper + Focused + Abstract Decision-Making + Creative

Since I don’t know the specific strain(s) that went into the cookies and hence can’t go into detail on lineage or history, it seemed appropriate to touch on the background of edibles as a whole. Apparently, the original reports of marijuana consumables range from the 10th to the 15th century. India had bhang (a marijuana beverage), and Europe had On Honorable Pleasure and Health (not just the first cookbook printed containing a weed recipe, the first cookbook printed. Ever. Yeah.)

Not gonna lie, I did not know that fact going into this review. To find out humankind’s earliest printed cookbook proudly featured a method to make “marijuana nectar” is profoundly important to me, and yet another example of how casually Googling something can lead to a different outlook.

The cookies were “packaged fresh”, and tasted like chocolate chip (didn’t really pick up any oatmeal). Consistency was that of a Chips Ahoy; I truly believe this edible could be mistaken as a “regular” mini-treat to anyone unwise and they’d continue to be none the wiser until the high kicked in. So be sure to keep this edible out of reach of anyone but yourself.

Having a decent tolerance, one 10mg cookie provided a subtle head change. Taking two was way more noticeable in terms of being stoned, but still being able to function normally in the public’s eye. Constant euphoria, and a positive attitude to take on the world – that’s what I was bestowed; it was one of my better experiences consuming weed.

After spending some time blazed on edibles, it dawned upon me that critical thinking *seemed to* become easier after munching a marijuana-infused morsel. Tasks and practices that were once monotonous take on a new light, giving way to metaphysical and (sometimes strangely) efficient methods; previously unthought of, or unrealized.

In many ways that’s the true power of marijuana: providing self-realization, and an abstract confidence that is comforting in the face of life’s utter chaos. You can find NWCS/Magic Kitchen prouducts at: American Mary (Wallingford), Belmar(Bellevue), Clutch Cannabis (Renton), Have a Heart (Greenwood/Fremont), among many other locations.