Kush 21 – Burien’s 1st Pot Shop

December 21, 2016 By Manic Conrad Leave a Comment

Background

Behind this door sits a world of pure wonderment!

Sitting about 5 minutes away from SeaTac Airport in Burien, Kush 21 may be the most convenient recreational marijuana retail shop for travelers looking to experience all the joys legal cannabis can offer. The shop itself sits in a strip mall, which is nice because there is ample free off street parking available to customers.

First Impressions

The first thing customers notice after having their ID checked and walking into the shop is the huge amount of selection they offer. From the outside, the space looks much more cramped than it actually is. Once inside, I was able to walk around the expansive facility and take in all of the options in wonder.

Employees were helpful and friendly without ever being overbearing. It also seemed like they had no agenda other than trying to steer me in the right direction, which I

Budtenders are always excited to see you at Kush 21!

appreciated greatly. You know those times when as a customer you can tell that the budtenders at certain shops are pushing inferior products to try to get rid of inventory? That was definitely not the case here. The staff patiently asked many pertinent questions and tried to cultivate the highest quality cannabis experience for me, and they seemed genuinely excited to do it!

Environment

The shop has a wonderful layout where they organize their products into different categories so that customers can easily find what they are looking for. For example, they have all of their edibles and topicals on one side of the shop, and all flowers are broken down by either Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid. This simple organization system made perusing their offerings more simple than at some other shops.

Gotta love having so many options!

Another thing that is made abundantly clear is how much they care about their customers at Kush 21. They strive to ensure that each person that walks through the door is treated to the highest level of customer service imaginable, and walks back out the door in better spirits than when they walked in. Also, the shop goes to great lengths to ensure that their customers keep coming back anxiously time after time. They update an online menu daily so that their products are available to view online so that you can know what’s available to you before even stepping foot in the shop! Also, they have a customer loyalty program that provides members with new product alerts when new items hit the shelves, and also offers generous discounts for those who return often. Who doesn’t love saving a few bucks just for making your purchases at the same wonderful location?

Final Thoughts

The shop’s staff was wonderful and super helpful!

Kush 21 is a one-stop shop for all your marijuana related needs and is a great place to shop! I can say with a certainty that I will return to this store, even if it isn’t the most conveniently located for where I live. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the shop, and the budtenders’ willingness to help steer me in the right direction really impressed me. I ended up buying a few grams of a few different strains, and not only were their descriptions of the products absolutely on point, but they also were items that I likely wouldn’t have picked out on my own. I love trying new things, and was definitely not let down in any sense by Kush 21. Come check out the shop the next time you are in Burien, or are looking to try a new shop. They’ve got everything you need, and tons of stuff that you didn’t yet know you needed, but now can’t live without!

ADDRESS: 17730 Ambaum Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98148

PHONE: 206.402.6955

WEBSITE: Kush 21

EMAIL: rcburien@gmail.com

STORE HOURS:

Sun-Thurs: 10am-10pm

Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm

For more information on Washington state Recreational Marijuana Retail Locations, click here for our full directory!

Marijuana Review: 12th Man Down by Phat Panda

October 10, 2016 By Fischer Campbell Leave a Comment

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: 9 LB x Strawberry by Clandestine Gardens

September 14, 2016 By Fischer Campbell 1 Comment

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 Leave a Comment

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 Leave a Comment

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.

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