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: Ace of Spades by Noble Farms

March 21, 2016 By Fischer Campbell

For my next illusion, a card up my sleeve – the Ace of Spades. A noble strain from Noble Farms, which I picked up from American Mary (green door-ed Wallingford pot shop). 3.5 grams ran me the cost of $40, which is just around the price I’m willing to pay for a high quality indica dominant hybrid.

Noble Farms hails from Tacoma, we’ve talked about them before (like how their product has zero chemical treatment, along with something about Willie Nelson needing some weed and then getting forced into a photo op).

According to the producer’s website, they “handpick every clone and… grow only one strain in a single room. This ensures that our final product is as consistent as possible. Grow conditions are strictly controlled to maintain the wellbeing of all plants”. I’d like to imagine they play classical music for the plants, as well (I totally would).

Let’s be real though; no amount of talk, or endorsement from a famous stoner equates to the experience of trying something firsthand. I’m going to give it to you straight, the strain is good but not life-changing (and this wasn’t even the one that Willie Nelson bought, so who knows – I’ll have to try Noble’s Headband).

To me, the real test for superior marijuana is if the high works for all situations (night, day, morning, creative, social, productive, being nothing, body, mind, spirit). With 90% of most strains though, there are contexts that prove better for usage then others; this is not something that should be viewed as a bad thing, or a reason not to buy. This is a good supplementary strain, which I’ll touch on later – let’s talk some specifics:

THC: 14%
CBD: .37%
Total: 16.7%

Strain: Ace of Spades
Species: Hybrida (Indica Dominant)
Date Harvested: 01/07/2016
Smell: Pine + Sandalwood (or Oak)
Taste: Citrus + Hay
Launch Point: 5 minutes after smoking.
High: Relaxed + Carefree + Body High + Feel Good

One of the reasons I chose this product (asides from the seemingly high quality and decent price) was that the packaging colors were so vibrant. The blue and yellow stand out, plus they are Team Zissou colors (which is always a plus for me).

Ace of Spades is a hybrid born from parents Black Cherry Soda and Jack the Ripper. It’s primary medicinal use would be to treat anxiety, and the strain is known for it’s sativa-like giddiness.

The bud is light, and plush. Although the nugs are green, there is a neon orange tint that acts like a filter -maybe it’s just the kief, or looking at it in the right light. Either way, I found the product to be pretty. Using a hemp wick and a pipe, Ace of Spades burns well after a proper grinding.

In terms of smell, there is a robust oak/sandalwood presence, with a backbone of pine. The sandalwood fragrance follows through in the flavor, providing a sharp earthiness. Then again, to many folks it may just taste like smoke. Everyone has different palates, I’m always the first to point that out.

Getting high with Ace of Spades is foremost smooth and relaxing, followed by a wicked body high. It is best used at night time, but I could see the feeling working on a rainy day as well (quite like today, how about that!). I’d recommend supplementing this strain with mild sativa, for a little zing.

The back of the package says there is an “easy come down”, and while the burnout was mild – I did feel a bit tired. Again gonna stress the nighttime usage, which is expected with such an indica. Noble Farms has a store locater function on their website (strangely without any Seattle area stores listed), but feel free to check in and see if their product is near you.

Noble Farms: Tacoma’s High-Quality Grow Operation

February 17, 2015 By Ellie Klein

Have you ever yearned for cannabis so good that Willie Nelson stands behind it? Well, look no further than Noble Farms in Tacoma. Noble Farms is a full operation (mothers, clones, etc. are all here) and all-indoor marijuana growing business complete with knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art growing techniques, which may have involved them checking out these commercial cannabis grow room designs to ensure that their cannabis plants can achieve maximum growth. With 14,000 square feet dedicated to growing and perfecting cannabis, Noble Farms has some of the most impressive plants in the Northwest.

Though, to say that the aesthetic qualities of Noble Farms’ plants are impressive is an understatement, to say the least. For example, a Seahawk fan favorite, Blueberry beams with magnificent deep blue and purple hues. Such visually stimulating cannabis qualities are the result of extreme care and advanced knowledge from seed to flower. Mark Rowland, master grower, ensures that every plant is monitored and well-nourished through all life-cycle stages. Mark insists that nourishing a marijuana plant is much like nourishing a human body: high quality food yields healthy plants that need no pesticides or other forms of resistance help.

You read that right; Noble Farms is an all organic, pesticide free facility. The plants are fed a high-nutrient diet and reverse-osmosis filtered water. The walls within Noble Farms consist of food-grade material, ensuring everything is incredibly clean and the plants are kept healthy. Operation within Noble Farms is meticulous, catering to the needs of all life stages of a marijuana plant by transferring them to differing temperature and light controlled rooms, depending on development. They may even have made use of custom farm equipment to increase efficiency in production. Such equipment can be sourced from farm equipment companies such as Farmco Manufacturing and similar ones. This care and attention yields consistently high quality marijuana which appeals to all senses. That said, it is also essential to know the right type of farming equipment to use in growing particular crops and in different types of farms, especially heavy machinery like tractors. If you would want to know more, here’s a great place to get started.

Willie Nelson checking out a little Noble Farms Headband. #i502 #marijuana #Seattle #cannabis pic.twitter.com/OUnuNQH2g8

– Noble Farms (@Noble_Farms) January 30, 2015

Noble Farms’ operation is satisfying in ways beyond the senses as well. Will Burgett, Noble Farms’ product specialist, and his team ensure that every action is intentional, from growing to labor usage. The farm packages to order, a practice that ensures diligence to the very last step. Marijuana popularity is on a sharp incline in Washington. With this growth comes more retailers, and inevitably more demand on growers. Noble Farms rises to all production challenges with a fool-proof operation and pledge to maintain its high standards, matching any demand with ample supply. Just another reason to put the young farm as a front runner of Washington growing operations.

The operation has only been around since August, but that is not to say that Noble Farms is new to the game. In fact, Mark, Will and Derek Alia, operations manager–three of the main minds behind this farm–combined have ample experience in the business. From medical marijuana and general contract roots, this operation has all of the expertise, patience and drive to stay a marijuana-industry front runner for years to come.

The operation has a loyal customer following, and is only becoming more popular. With enough generated electricity to power 30 homes at 80% capacity, Noble Farms is ready to supply and grow with demand. The farm is also gearing up to grow with the times in regards to product demands by installing an extraction room, meaning that Noble Farms’ oils for edibles and vaporizers will soon be put to market.

Do yourself a favor and pick up some Noble Farms’ cannabis next time you are in the market to buy. Tried and true fans would recommend some Blueberry bud, while Willie Nelson gave Headband his nod of approval. However, Noble Farms’ Will insists that OG Kush will become your next favorite. Choose all or choose one; each is of the highest quality and will appeal to all of your senses. Get ready for an unparalleled experience.