Origins and Backstory: Acquired from Freeborn Selections, this F1 was originally released at The Emerald Cup. Cherry Limenade is one of Mean Gene’s better known strains, having won the Emerald Cup at least once. Pina is an old heirloom bred by Meangene as well, and is renowned for her sweetly acidic pineapple aroma, uplifting effect, and general plant strength (pest resistance etc.). I first heard of Pina as it was the father of Aficinado’s In the Pines release. I will minimize my digression and encourage the reader to see that review as well, but In the Pines first put Meangene into my personal awareness, and I was deeply impressed. That’s ultimately the mother I used for Passionfruit Dakini as well. The lineage here is two winners, but also two very different genetic lines. F1s can be pretty consistent contrary to popular belief, and the Cherry Limenade x Pina is a great example of that. This genetic pool is similar enough that it’s obvious the plants are sisters, but diverse enough that each cultivator can hunt a favorite plant from the bunch.
Appearance: Beautiful plants, Cherry Limenade x Pina is richly colored. Ranging from a typical green at the beginning of season to a fading finch-yellow beginning senescence, ultimately concluding with purples and reds on both flower and foliage, growing these plants is an aesthetic experience. Flowers and colas are good-sized, with grenade-like structure after drying. Finished flowers are consistently a pretty mix of green and purple, with light orange pistils and a satisfyingly chunky structure. Resin production is good, and bag appeal is great.
Aroma: A freshly opened jar brings notes of ripe fruit, baby wipes & baby lotion, and is even mildly reminiscent of freshly-laundered clothes. Predominantly sweet and fruity, phenotypes vary from vague cherry notes (the same present in some of my own Cherry Limenade x Pina crosses, like this one), to acidic pineapple, to coconut-based lotion or baby oil, to laundry detergent. My favorite plants exhibited all of the above, but leaned strongest toward the sweet candied fruit, with the sort of beachy sunscreen/baby oil notes lingering in the background. The smell of this one is enticing to all, a real people pleaser! People frequently comment that they love the smell of this one, both as a living plant and as dried flowers.
Flavor: Cherry Limenade x Pina is sweet, smooth, fruity, and an easeful pleasure to smoke. Cherry is brought to the forefront and certainly dominates. However, the acidic pineapple-fruit and baby oil are still noticeable. My favorite phenotypes are those that taste uncannily like cherry and pineapple in a joint. here seems to be no laundry flavor, but occasionally I do get a far-off chemical tone of hairspray or another barber/salon product. This isn’t mouth-coating, palate-painting weed, but it’s definitely tasty and far from a weak point. It’s a fairly clean and direct translation of the aroma and altogether enjoyable and unique.
Effects: Jockeying with the bouquet for the supreme highlight of Cherry Limenade x Pina, the effects are some of the most consistently feel-good and pleasurable to be had. This weed is a well-blended balance of THC, CBD, and presumably a few other cannabinoids and psychoactive terpenes—it offers a strong sense of well-being, optimism, euphoria, and is compatible with activity and worldly engagement. If I didn’t know it was likely high CBD, I’m not sure I’d know—tokes from a joint produce an instant head change and feel of stoniness behind the eyes. However, I never feel even close to being too high or otherwise overwhelmed. This is great party weed, ideal for yoga or skiing (or presumably other athletic endeavors) or really any kind of activity that one already enjoys. This is the kind of weed that enhances life in myriad ways, and won’t keep you from living it (as some other more narcotic strains can do). While I do like to smoke thought-obliterating strains and occasionally even get overwhelmed by potency, I am never found jonesing for a different weed after smoking this. I cannot say the same about many other high-CBD varieties! Overall, the best aspects of the effects of this weed remind me of Aficianado’s In the Pines, which shares the same Pina parentage—probably not a coincidence. Optimistic, uplifting, feel-good, relaxed, active, loose and easy-going—it’s not OG, and that’s not a bad thing in my book.
Overall: As alluded to earlier in this review, I’ve really enjoyed smoking Pina’s descendants (Long Valley Sleigh Ride, In the Pines, and some of my own Cherry Limenade x Pina crosses). Cherry Limenade x Pina is certainly no exception, as it offers a rich and unique bouquet. The effects are top-notch, and Pina crosses are consistently my favorite thing to smoke early in the day, or along with activities of all kinds—but especially physical and outdoor ones! The complex and uniquely fruity aroma is unanimously enjoyed, and this is probably the strain that garners the most unsolicited comments on the flavor (with the exception of Cherry Limenade x Sky Cuddler Double Kush). Like most Freeborn, this plant and variety checks all the boxes and leaves nothing to be desired. It’s worthy of giving a shot in nearly every garden, but will find a special place in the heart’s, minds, and lungs of enthusiasts of such uplifting, optimistic, and day-brightening smokes. A Mendo heirloom at its finest!