Marijuana Review: Jack Skellington by Lopez and Orr

July 25, 2016 By Fischer Campbell Leave a Comment

Any day, we can all feel out of place; some sort of brooding cartoon character hybrid harnessed to a reality that is, saying it simply, off-putting at times. You do your best to sing, and dance – but after a certain point you hit f*** it. Jack Skellington by Lopez and Orr is here to answer your existential troubles, and possibly that meta-holiday-identity crisis we’ve all been dealing with (thank God).

I picked up the strain from Have-a-Heart (in Fremont) for $35/3.5 grams. It was the budtender’s recommendation in my preferred price range. On top of being a new producer to review, there was the whole “used to watch Nightmare Before Christmas after school every day” thing, so I was sold.

Based out of Spokane, there isn’t a ton of information available on Lopez and Orr. They’ve got a website with information about their products (conveniently not the strain at hand in this review), but I’d like to know more in terms of their process and ideology – when it comes to growing/processing herb, I mean.

Let’s talk about the herb:

THC: 0.1%
THC A: 22.4%
CBD: 0.1%
Total THC: 19.6%
Total Cannabinoids: 22.4%
(this math doesn’t make sense to me, it’s probably rounded numbers)

Strain: Jack Skellington
Species: Sativa
Smell: Lemon + Cheese
Taste: Banana + Christmas + Halloween
Launch Point: 3-5 minutes after smoking.
High: Chill + Balanced +Refuge from the Storm

The proud child of Killer Queen and Jack the Ripper, Jack Skellington “promises an intensely psychoactive experience that brings creativity and introspection to a new level” (according to Leafly). Typically this strain is medically prescribed to fight anxiety and stress, it could help with headaches and migraines too!

Jack Skellington looks like it was kissed by the sun, all glistening with trichomes and kief. The buds were delicate, and smoked smoothly out of a pipe. Harvested in May, the nugs still were fresh – not dry, or harsh.

Popping open the lid, a combo of fruity lemon and funky cheese emerged from the container. A stinky strain is often a good sign, praise pungency. Oddly enough, the taste was all banana. Go figure.

Getting high with Jack Skellington is like being stuck in a rainstorm, and suddenly a roof appears above your head – sheltering you from the storm. I’m not a stoner (cue the Half Baked “stoner” stamp on my forehead), but it’s easy to escape with this strain packed in your pipe. Plenty of things in this world are worth fretting over, but worrying/bloviating gets us nowhere – action is the only way forward, and maybe getting stoned will push things forward.

I’m not suggesting turning to intoxicants when feeling down; more so, when the troubles of whatever you’re dealing with are too much, it helps to get a little abstract for perspective (it may be just me who feels this way). For what it’s worth: do what you feel like, smoke weed whenever, wubba lubba dub dub, etc. I’ll see you next week.

Marijuana Review: Hawaiian Dutch by Sub X

June 6, 2016 By Fischer Campbell Leave a Comment

Summer is here in full force, so it’s time to kick back and treat yourself with some tropical buds. This week I bring you Washington’s own Hawaiian Dutch, by Sub X, purchased at Have a Heart in Fremont*. This strain, and most of the producer’s product, goes for around $50 an eighth. Considering the cost, I expected a solid experience – I was not let down.

Sub X stands for “Subdued Excitement”, which is a clever way to describe being high; enjoying the duality of euphoria and sedation. The producer is based out of Washington, “near Canada” apparently. Their buds are 100% pesticide and gluten free (I’m pretty sure the gluten thing is meant to be a joke, but it’s on their website), no mention of organic testing though.

Also from their page, “our ultra efficient growing methods and state-of-the-art technologies allow us to use no more sweatshop labor than is absolutely necessary” (uh, I’m hoping that would be 0% sweatshop labor?) Grammatical slaughter aside, with so many producer’s “About” pages being similar, it’s nice to see a playful personality – even if slightly chaotic (Ian Malcolm would be proud).

Let’s get serious here, hit me with the Specifics:

THC: 1.6%
THC A: 23.3%
CBD: .60%
Total: 22.6%

Strain: Hawaiian Dutch
Species: Sativa Hybrid (70/30)
Harvested: 3/20/16
Smell: Bubblegum + Cheese
Taste: Sweet + Sour
Launch Point: Right after smoking.
High: Potent + Functional + Walkin’ on Sunshine

A cross of Hawaiian x Dutch Treat, accolades include placing 2nd at the 2014 Seattle Cannabis Cup (for best domestic Sativa). Being a hybrid, the strain is known for it’s energetic and creative high. Medically, it is prescribed to combat stress, anxiety and depression. Hawaiian Dutch is a NorthWest regional strain, primarily being sold in Washington state.

Sporting a golden tint, these were some nice-looking nuggets. Purple, green, orange? Check. Trichomes out the wazoo? Sticky and fresh. Those photos don’t lie. Using a pipe, Hawaiian Dutch burned smooth.

Popping open the jar, there was immediate tropical funkiness. I picked up on bubblegum, and cheese. Flavor-wise, there was a distinct sweet-and-sour thing going on. A sharp taste that lingers, using a vape and smoking out of a pipe.

Hawaiian Dutch clears the cobwebs of my mind, after an oh-so-long day. While many types of nugs may deplete your energy, getting stoned with this strain comes about a second wind. Good for day and night, even the veteran smoker will dig the brightness and feel like a kid again.

The low CBD level gives way to mild sedation, not super burnout. Functionality is in grasp, as well; this isn’t the bud to make you stupid stoned – but it’s just the right amount. All and all a solid experience, it’s easy to see why this strain is award winning. If you’re feeling lavish and want to treat-yo-self, Sub X products can be found at: Clutch Cannabis (Renton), Green-Theory (Bellevue), and Have-A-Heart (Fremont/Ocean Shores).

*Have a Heart is an advertiser on High Above Seattle. This is no way impacts my perception, or enjoyment of product that may be sold there.

Marijuana Review: Blue Dream by Phat Panda

May 3, 2016 By Fischer Campbell 12 Comments

With this sudden jolt of heat, I figured a crystal-cool sativa would hit the spot. We’ve covered Blue Dream before, but not the iteration from Phat Panda. It was recommended to me by a budtender at Fremont’s fully recreational Have-A-Heart*, a gram cost $18 – which is a little steep, but after she showed me the bud it was already bought (in my mind).

The producer is one that I’ve seen many times before, but had not picked up. Washington based, Phat Panda is a brand line of marijuana under the guise of Grow Op Farms. Featuring over 40 strains, these farmers have been hard at work.

Judging from the webpage, the nugs look spectacular. If you don’t believe me, check out their pictures; deep colors with potency to match. Phat Panda clearly delivers an artisan line of marijuana.

Let’s get to the Specifics, already!:

THC: 0.2%
THC A: 23%
CBD: 0.1%
Total: 20.4%

Strain: Blue Dream
Species: Sativa
Harvested: 04/05/16
Smell: Vanilla + Tangerine
Taste: Cheese + Citrus
Launch Point: Instantaneous after smoking.
High: Clear headed + Euphoric + Motivational

According to Phat Panda’s website, “Blue dream is… born from crossing DJ Short’s Blueberry Indica and the Santa Cruz native Super Silver Haze. It’s medicinal uses are mainly in the treatment of depression and anxiety related symptoms”.

I took the pictures right as the sun was setting, around 7:30pm. The last golden ray of shine cast itself upon Blue Dream, and it lit up like a tiny planet itself. Delicate and keif covered, these nugs are worth the entry fee (if you’re feeling a treat ‘yo self mood coming on).

After crumbling a bud apart, there were immediate hints of something like tangerine citrus. I also smelled sweetness, maybe vanilla. In terms of taste, I definitely picked up cheesy funkiness; along with a bit of the citrus vibe from before.

The high is strong, but not in a way that feels thick. There is a crispness factor that is almost motivational; encouraging you to be positive with whatever you are doing. Blue Dream is versatile in terms of smoking anytime of the day or night, which is why it’s one of everybody’s favorite strains.

Nice weather is upon us, so we must in turn respond with nice nugs. Phat Panda products are also available at many retailers, some of which being: Green-Theory (Bellevue), Stash Pot Shop (Ballard), Ganja Goddess (SODO), and the aforementioned Have-A-Heart (Fremont).

*Have-A-Heart is an advertiser on High Above Seattle. This is no way influences the review of the marijuana itself. It’s conveniently close to where I live (though there are many locations), thoughtfully architecturally designed (it was a medical shop long before), and I’d be buying there regardless of the fact.

Marijuana Review: Blue Dream by NWCS (Legends)

March 28, 2016 By Fischer Campbell Leave a Comment

Blue Dream is a well known sativa, renowned for it’s crisp and airy high. It’s one of the few buds I’d recommend for a functional “morning high”, and this week we’ve got an iteration of the popular strain produced by NorthWest Cannabis Solutions (or NWCS for short). We’ve reviewed Haze from NWCS (Private Reserves) before (which was o-kay), but this Blue Dream is worthy of any veteran smoker.

NorthWest Cannabis Solutions is a jack of all trades producer, representing multiple brands across the recreational marijuana industry: Private Reserve, Legends, Solutions, Evergreen, EZ VAPE. and Magic Kitchen. Notably, their Legends products are consistently high quality and affordable. 3.5 grams of the Blue Dream you see in the pictures cost me $35, which is an excellent price.

By having so many brands, NWCS products are available in almost every pot shop I visit. At first the presence felt a little dominating, and I was wary of quantity over quality – but after enjoying several products (on and off the-review-record), the availability seemed like a good thing.

Even shops that are just opening (either by transition from medical, or brand new) seemingly have tons from the producer. I was just at the formerly medical-only (now 21+) Have a Heart* in Fremont the other day (amid drunken 8-bit antics at Add-A-Ball), and they had a spry collection of NWCS products. Perfect little $35 indulgence, and then back across the street for more inebriated pinball.

Let’s talk some weed specifics:

THC: 21.5%
CBD: 0.1%
Total: 21.6%

Strain: Blue Dream
Species: Sativa
Date Manufactured: 01/08/16
Smell: Funky Banana + Berry
Taste: Fruity + Sharp + Tangy
Launch Point: Almost immediately after smoking.
High: Blissful + Light + Social + Active

The buds are absolutely caked, decently trimmed, and seemed to burn well out of all contraptions. This Blue Dream is dense, but delicate enough to crumble between your fingers.

When in the grinder, the smell of weed takes over. Careful, you might wake the neighbors with this cheesy banana funk emanating from the basement. The taste is similar, with notes berry and a sharpness – almost a tanginess that lingers.

Getting stoned with Blue Dream is a highly euphoric experience, the sun itself seems to shine brighter. There is a lightness that comes with the feeling, and it’s why (as I said in the opening paragraph) this strain is one of a rare few I’ve dubbed “morning weed”; it won’t leave you burnt-out come afternoon because of the clear headed high.

Even though it’s strictly a sativa, that little 0.1% CBD gives a body vibe that works real well with the “mostly” head high. Embrace the day and venture forth; this is a strain created for being social, moving around, and enjoying yourself (not to say you can’t veg out with Blue Dream, as well – the world is your oyster).

Northwest Cannabis Solution products are probably available at whatever recreational mairjuana retailer is closest to you. We know for sure they can be found at Dockside Cannabis (SODO), Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop (Capital Hill), Have a Heart (Fremont), and Green-Theory (Bellevue). Don’t see your shop? Feel free to have a look-see at NWCS’ Product Finder.

Try the strain yourself? Specific questions? Anything cool we should be covering? Just let us know in the comments below.

*Disclaimer: Have a Heart advertises on High Above Seattle, this is no way influences our perspectives on the products that they (or other advertisers) sell. We strive to only write reviews on products worth enjoying, because life’s too short to smoke bad weed.

Marijuana Review: Cinex by Coastal Cannabis

October 12, 2015 By Fischer Campbell Leave a Comment

Back in the saddle, again – eh? Welcome, let’s get right to it: this week’s review is Cinex, made by Coastal Cannabis. It’s a hybrid strain, and we picked it up from Have A Heart’s Skyway – SeaTac recreational location; just a few shakes away from the airport, this pot shop is perfect for travelers, commuters, and locals alike.

Coastal Cannabis doesn’t seem to have a website, but on the back of the package they have a brief description about themselves. The Washington producer has “a focus on growing the finest selection of cannabis”, sporting a wide variety of Cannabis Cup winners as part of their regular inventory.

One thing I like about Coastal Cannabis’ packaging is the fact that they include mood descriptors (using a 5 star tier system). For Cinex, the strength was 3/5, uplifting was 4/5, and relaxing was 3/5. Good on them for taking the extra effort to include a rating system, especially useful for newcomers to marijuana.

Let’s talk specifics on this week’s strain:

THC: 23.26%
THC A: 0%
CBD: 0.04%
Total: 23.26%

Strain: Cinex
Species: Hybrid (60% Sativa / 40% Indica)
Smell: Honey + Hay + Lemon
Taste: Piney + Skunky + Spicy
Launch Point: 2-4 minutes after smoking
High: Deep + Strong + Euphoric + Pleasant

Cinex is a brilliant shade of green, adorning orangish hairs smattered all along the sides. The nugs themselves are light, delicate, perhaps a little leafy – however they do grind up nicely.

There was a distinct honey scent when holding the herb close. It was kind of like a farmhouse, I could smell the hay. Sometimes marijuana tells a story with the way that it smells, and this Cinex had a rustic, homegrown aroma to it.

Tasting the flower out of a pipe, and a vape – it was clear that the power of the flavor delivered better through the vape. Pipe smoke can overwhelm the palate, even more so if the pipe hasn’t been cleaned in awhile. We’re all guilty of letting resin build up, but man what a difference. The notes of pine, and spice were ever present when vaping.

Cinex bills itself as a Sativa dominant hybrid, but it really feels like more of an Indica to me. True that the euphoric properties are present, but the high has a true depth that reaches within. It’s oftentimes one finds themselves in an introspective realm after smoking, pondering reality; this strain is good for that. The burnout tends to be semi-heavy, so be ready for that.

Sit back, crank some tunes, enjoy some company – do what you do. Notably while smoking Cinex, I engaged in some Star Wars first person shooter madness with the Battlefront beta. Sometimes it’s good to just grab a few games, have fun, and then move on. I personally think a little bit of everything is solid for your soul, so I balance my active nature with proper downtime.

Coastal Cannabis certainly delivered a potent experience with Cinex, and I’d recommend smoking this strain in the nighttime – because the nighttime is the right time.

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Marijuana Review: Jack Skellington by Lopez and Orr

Marijuana Review: Hawaiian Dutch by Sub X

Marijuana Review: Blue Dream by Phat Panda

Marijuana Review: Blue Dream by NWCS (Legends)

Marijuana Review: Cinex by Coastal Cannabis