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: 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.

Marijuana Review: Super Lemon Haze by Green Haven

August 8, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

August, the month of realizing that summer’s almost over – better make it count. This isn’t the time to get burnt out or tired, no sir. Super Lemon Haze by Green Haven is here with the coffee to give you that nudge you need, first thing. A true morning strain to help you ease into the day, or evening.

We picked up Super Lemon Haze for $30/3.5 grams from American Mary*, while catching Pokemon in Wallingford. Pro tip, someone’s often using a lure at Dicks (two blocks away).

There isn’t much to say about the producer, because they have no internet presence. No matter though, here’s what I’ve got: based out of Granite Falls, Washington – Green Haven was established in 2014.

Seriously though (in this author’s opinion) it doesn’t matter about tweets and websites. Give me affordable, decent marijuana and lord knows I’ll try it. I’m always looking for something to placate the voices (kidding), and certain times a heavy-hitting strain is too heavy. ♫ Well, that’s why Super Lemon Haze done me right, ‘cuz on her feet the high’s so light ♫.

Lay me some specifics:

THC A: 19.68%
CBD A: .03%
CBD: .02%
Total THC: 17.85%

Strain: Super Lemon Haze
Species: Sativa
Date Harvested: 07/03/16
Smell: Earthy + Bubblegum
Taste: Sweet + Citrus
Launch Point: Creeper (6 – 8 minutes after smoking)
High: Good Mornin’ + Pleasant + Light + Crisp +No Sedation

Born from Lemon Skunk x Super Silver Haze, this is a popular sativa – enough to win the Seattle cannabis cup (2014). This strain is typically (medically) prescribed for stress, and pain (headaches/migraines).

This particular iteration from Green Haven was super fluffy, and vibrantly green. The delicate buds were heavily cone shaped, bristling with kief and robust orange hairs.

Talking about smell, there was definitely a fruity bubblegum aspect. I could smell dirt too, like an earthiness; it worked, I can dig the duality of aromas. The taste was noticeably sweet, with perhaps a lemon-citrus thing going on (I say “perhaps” because sometimes the names get me, placebo effect and all that).

Getting high with Super Lemon Haze is a positive experience. I enjoyed it as either a morning weed, or an appetizer to bigger things (evening-wise). It’s nice to have bud to balance out your tolerance, and serve as a base to build upon (I’m talking about getting more high as the day progresses, without peaking before making the conscious decision to collapse into bed).

I can get up, smoke some of this strain, and go about my day in an efficient manner that it is also lifted. As a stoner, we all know that after a good night’s sleep, the first toke of the day is going to get you super high. Look at it as climbing a mountain, I’d rather start at an even pace as opposed to a sprint.

If you’re looking to give this strain a try, or other products from Green Haven – swing by American Mary* in Wallingford, or let us know in the comments section if your local pot shop carries products from Green Haven.

*American Mary advertises on High Above Seattle, which in no way influences the products we buy or our perception of enjoyment. We strive to find new names that we haven’t sampled before, and sometimes wind up with a strain worth talking about, but a dead-end on producer information.

Marijuana Review: 7-Way by Private Reserve

August 1, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

Here at High Above Seattle, I’d like to think we don’t mess around. Conventional traditions are out the window, we settle for nothing less then buds that are magnified by at least several proportions. A simple nug on nug on nug will not do (man, that sounds wrong – and it’s only the intro, jeez): we bring you 7-Way, by Private Reserve. You’re welcome.

Private Reserve is (surprise!) a NorthWest Cannabis Solutions brand. I got a quarter of 7-Way for $50 at Belmar, a small shop in Bellevue (though Private Reserve products can be found across multiple Seattle locations – check the bottom of the review for such inquiries).

We’ve checked out products from this producer before (see here, and here). The consensus seems to be most of the flower in the NWCS/Private Reserve/Legends-realm is consistent, highly affordable, and abundant. These are all selling points for the every-folk, like you and me.

Their website doesn’t indicate any methods of sustainable practice or growing, which is kind of a bummer (I don’t know the whole story though – you’d think that’s what a website would be for). A little more transparency would be nice on that front, regardless the strains from this producer I’ve tried have been enjoyable.

The specifics, you seek:

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

Strain: 7-Way
Species: Sativa
Date Harvested: 10/27/16
Smell: Gasoline + Funk
Taste: Floral + Cheesy
Launch Point: Immediately after inhaling.
High: Energetic + Euphoric + Relaxed + Functional

According to myth, 7-Way was born from only the best sativas. How many parents? Nobody knows. The secret is well kept (and lethally guarded) by men in dark-colored suits. Apparently the deal is that the strain is 100% sativa, and upon smoking imbues one with an energetic, relaxing and all-around lovely high. Medical prescriptions would be used for stress/anxiety, lack of appetite, depression and pain – a genuine Jack-of-all-Weeds (I’ll show myself the door).

I’ve actually bought this strain several times over the weeks, and each iteration has looked pretty stellar. A camouflage of bright green and orange, dusted with crystal kief. Yada-yada, it looks good! Check the pictures for more proof.

When snapping a bud apart, the strain has a Super Glue™/jet fuel smell to it, almost like a martini. The flavor is floral and skunky, pungent out of a pipe or vaporizer.

7-Way has an inherently chill high. It’s easy to function, get some stuff done, little bit of this/little bit of that. “Well balanced” is a good way of putting the experience into words, a solid half ‘n half of ♫mental stimulations and body vibrations♫. Some sort of mixture between being super blazed yet perpetually in control, it’s kind of like it looked into my soul (the weed, 7-Way, I’m talking about). Yeah, it’s good.

This was a get-up-and-go kind of strain, for me. Like a cuppa coffee – after a bowlski or two, I’m ready to roll with whatever savagely-crushing tasks the day has in store. Come here life, you’re a little bit easier with my good friend 7-Way.

You can find Private Reserve, and other NWCS products at: American Mary (Wallingford), Belmar (Bellevue), Clutch Cannabis (Renton), Have a Heart (Greenwood/Fremont), among many other locations.