Origins and Backstory: I bought these attending the 2018 Emerald Cup, the only Emerald Cup I was able to see. I had already grown In the Pines, and had heard Meangene remark that Piña would “turn everything to Piña” in the context of breeding. So I was naturally curious, and wanted to revisit the genetic line. These seeds are F4s and Meangene has personally remarked the females are “all pretty much the same.” The lineage is officially listed as: Super Silver Haze x ((Dirt x Big Bud) x (Dirt x Purp)). However, I would advise the reader to look beyond this, as it doesn’t really tell the average person, or even a Freeborn nerd much. If the grower/smoker is expecting classic Super Silver Haze or something comparable, they’ll be confused. While I have not personally seen the data, it is reported that genetic analyses on platforms such as the Phylos galaxy on Piña reveal that it is one of the most genetically-unique and isolated cultivars tested. Popular cannabis has been bottlenecked and hybridized so many times that it all appears to be interrelated when analyzed through Phylos or similar platforms. Even plants with wildly-differing aromas/effects/morphology tend to show common ancestry; it appears that Piña is a genetic island of sorts. This is intriguing on its own, but warrants further curiosity after having had the subjective experience of this plant, as the reader will soon see. I grew these indoors under LED lights at over 8300’ altitude.
Morphology: Piña was striking while growing for several reasons. Plants in the vegetative state grow short and stout with heavy branching, resembling shrubby hemp. I was not prepared for this, and have long-wondered why there are no circulating clones of Piña in spite of its stellar reputation and wide availability. I had my question answered when I was pursuing my own clones and was taking clones from seedlings of other varieties that I had started at the same time as Piña. Notable as well, is the fact that although the plant overall grows as an almost ball-like shrub, the leaves themselves are quite thin, slender, and relatively elegant, somewhat reminiscent of old Dutch hazes. As I cloned various Kushes and other Freeborn plants, I watched Piña veg with some anxiety—it appeared I’d have to essentially chop a plant in half, and then trim off most of the leaves to get a standard “clone.” I wasn’t really prepared to sacrifice half my plant, and ALL of the Piña plants were of identical structure. I ultimately decided to openly pollenate the population, and cross it to the Kushes I was growing concurrently, as opposed to taking clones of Piña to run again.
Piña has a minimal stretch when flowering, and if left untopped (I am not sure why you’d try to top a shrub anway), will develop a main cola, with not insubstantial flowers on the side-branching she has undoubtedly developed. This is when most commonalities to hemp break down, as the flowers appear to be dense and highly-resinous. Elongated stalks on the trichomes impart a distinctly-furry appearance on Piña flowers. The buds look dense on the plant, and I would say are about average density after being dried. Plants stayed green even after being exposed to some cold temperatures toward finish, and flowers finish green. Coloring of buds, leaves, pistils, etc. is relatively average and unremarkable. Finished and dried flowers also look like relatively average weed—nothing bad about it, just plain greenbud with furry-looking resin, in a shape halfway between a pinecone and fingerling. Flowers were finished relatively early, probably around 60 days and maybe even earlier in an indoor 12/12 setting (and I tend to take things late).
Aroma: Piña has a well-deserved reputation for its bouquet. A far cry from classic dank weed smells, Piña is refreshing, its bouquet overall coming across as a pineapple baby wipe, or Febreeze. Even vegetative plants have a distinctly-pineapple aroma, inspiring excitement throughout the entirety of the plant’s life. The character of the pineapple is somewhat vague, almost like a pineapple blossom or perfume. When buds are broken up, the pineapple is accentuated, and a sweeter, syrupy/cakey quality is revealed, at times bordering on candy. The seemingly-synthetic aromas of baby wipes, febreeze, sunscreen, and skincare products immediately become background layers that add to the pineapple; but the sweet, unmistakably pineapple aroma just pops. Piña is the first and only cannabis I have smelled that is dominated by pineapple in such an attractive way, and the synthetic notes give it depth that most growers are seeking. Really addictive to smell, super enticing, and not offensive at all.
It’s interesting to note that Piña has repeatedly tested high in the terpene ocimene, which is, at least in part, responsible for the tropical vibe of Piña. Ocimene is relatively rare in cannabis, and is associated with citrus, pineapple, and other bright fruit aromas. It also reportedly encourages a more uplifting, energetic, and positive effect.
Flavor: Just as we would hope, the pineapple comes through most prominently when consuming Piña. It is an excellent choice for a vaporizer, and one feels as if they’re inhaling a ridiculously-realistic pineapple air freshener (except, without all the carcinogens). It’s a really awesome experience, again with the character of the pineapple suggesting ripe fruit, upside down cake, or canned pineapple in syrup. Again, the vibe of tropical febreeze is present and offers depth to the experience, but pineapple is the star of the show. It’s awesome and addictive and it’s still hard for me to believe that the plant naturally tastes this way, no additives or anything. A remarkable work of breeding and selection, as well as an attestation to the expressions of the Cannabis plant as a whole.
Effects: I esteem Piña’s effects on the mind at least as much as her aroma. While all-day-every-day smokers might be underwhelmed by her potency, Piña’s character is nearly unmatched. It consistently imparts feelings of well-being, positivity and upliftedness, and satisfaction. All seems to be right in the world after smoking Piña. The experience is generally euphoric for those with lower tolerances, or casual smokers. It is never overwhelming or too strong for me personally, never even gets close. The effect is relatively short-lived, especially compared to a variety like Sour Dubble x Jaro (link needed) or TCPK(linnk needed) but is of such a remarkably high quality that I don’t understand why it’s not more sought after. I imagine potency can be attained relatively easily; quality and character of effect of this caliber is a rare achievement. It is quite similar to the experience I had with In the Pines so many years ago. Burnout is minimal, and after enjoying the perennially-positive and satisfying experience, I am always tempted to consume more. The same high cannot be had again or prolonged (at least until the next day, it seems), and the effect of deeper consumption is more of a classical weed feeling—warm, happy, mildly dreamy, and generally pleasant. The dragon of well-being is an easy one to get caught up chasing in the case of Piña, and one can actually catch it for a brief time if this plant is not abused in consumption. While the aroma and flavor are certainly highlights and some might consider them the high points of the plant, I really think plants that feel this way are often overlooked in favor of higher potency plants, and I believe Piña may have one of the best effects of any cannabis I’ve experienced. What if we could have both potency and quality of character? Is it possible to retain the exceptional character of Piña’s stone, while also introducing more potency? I am not sure about this, but I am sure that it is a question worthy of pursuit.
Overall: One of the most unique varieties I have ever grown or smoked, Piña is a treasure. Having been bred to the F4 generation has made it a bonafide variety, with impressive uniformity across plants. What is most impressive, however, is the whole package that the consumer gets. Consuming this plant imparts the feelings that we are essentially seeking as cannabis users; who doesn’t want exotic & fruity olfactory experience, and then feel a wonderful sense of well-being? It has been all too easy, especially as modern cannabis consumers, to get caught up chasing potency. Every popular strain, every hyped up plant has almost extreme levels of potency, and trust me—I definitely get it. Piña is refreshing in every sense of the word, and if you can look past getting stoned out of your mind, it is an incredible plant. It certainly still has the potential to get one very high, and the aroma and flavor are beyond novel—they are truly spectacular. While I have not seen or heard of the experience myself, I do think Piña is an ideal candidate for first time smokers, or even just casual smokers. If I was getting high once a week or less frequently, Piña would probably be a perfect choice. Like so many other well-deserving plants, I don’t think Piña is going to be an overnight success, and will likely never become the hype plant of the mainstream. It does however, have potential to produce its own cult following, as it is worthy of always having some on your shelf, and I intend to! Who doesn’t want weed that smells and tastes like pineapple and puts one’s inner world at peace?