Bodhi Seeds Congolese Pine x Mother's Milk

Origins and Backstory: I received a pack of testers from Bodhi, and germinated the whole thing.  I unfortunately only received one female from the package.  Bodhi used a Congolese (pine) landrace as a mother for this strain, and a Mother's Milk (Nepali OG x Appalachia) father.  I've not heard of many other strains using the Mother's Milk pollen, so this one seems like a rarity.

Appearance:  Flowers from this cultivar almost appear whitish-platinum, an almost blueish-white hue.  It reminds me of the Lotus Larry x Sunshine Daydream with respect to the color of the flowers.  Flowers are highly resinous, but are a bit fluffy.  This could be because of the harvest time; many landrace sativas and their progeny often take longer to fully develop, but I chopped this plant at 77 days, possibly early.  Overall, this variety still put out pretty flowers that are highly resinous with an unusual color.  All other aspects of appearance are normal or unremarkable.

Aroma:  Interestingly, the bouquet from this variety has changed drastically over the course of flowering.  The finished product is sweet, candied, and skunky, smelling like Pez, candy valentine hearts, tic-tacs, and brand-new tennis balls.  It is also very skunky, and a jar from across the room smells classically like sweet-skunky cannabis.  It is when one cracks a bud open under the nose that notes of powdered and condensed milk, valentine hearts, and tennis-ball-tube become so prevalent.

Flavor: The flavor strays from the aroma just the slightest bit. It is indeed candied, skunky, and sweet with strong notes of sweet, condensed milk and pez.  However, there is also a very noticeable profile that I cannot put my finger on but reminds me of Christmas-time.  There is a flavor profile of a Christmas potpourri or some Christmas spice mix that was only present in the aroma for a couple weeks in mid-flower.  This profile does come through strongly in the flavor of the smoke though, and instantly brings back memories as a child gathered with the family underneath the Christmas tree.  It is bizarre but extremely nostalgic, unique, memorable, and enjoyable.

Effects:  Like mother's milk, this variety is welcoming, warming, soft, and sweet.  Mildly sedating, the smoke from this variety is euphoric and happy but overindulgence can lead to a dulling of mental function and some tiredness.  This is long-lasting hybrid smoke that is uplifting but relaxing, and very dreamy.  It puts a sort of simple, dumb smile on the user for a few hours before coming back down into a foggy dream-state.  The most value that I personally have found from this variety is its reliable ability to give a satisfying feeling of happiness and euphoria, regardless when or what one has smoked earlier in the day.  The sedative properties are rarely too much, and one rarely finds themselves incapacitated from this variety although it certainly doesn't lack potency.  This can be strong smoke, but it never lasts long and after a quick climax, the effect significantly mellows out only an hour or two after smoking.

Overall Experience:  While a fun smoke, Congolese Mother's Milk was never a particular favorite of mine.  The unique candy heart smell made these flowers fun for a novelty smoke every now and then, but the effect was too short-lived to make it any sort of staple.  The CMM is a warm, happy, sweet effect, which seems to be everything one might expect from a flower that smells like sweet, happy candy!  I'm certainly grateful to have explored these seeds as testers, as they were fairly unique and pushed the horizons of my personal experience with cannabis even further.  That being said, there wasn't much reason for me to keep clones or keep the harvests of CMM going, and I prefer something like Long Valley Royal Kush for a staple smoking variety.

Super Skunk

Origins and Backstory: I received this flower from a friend.  I do not review other people's flowers due to issues with consistency and integrity.  However, this friend of mine grows beyond organically and the quality of his flowers always impress me.  He appreciates older Dutch genetics, sweet and fruity varieties with creative and euphoric effects.  This varietal was grown indoors from seed.

Appearance:  Super Skunk flowers appear like classic high quality bud.  The flowers are bright green and highly resinous, wrapped up in thin purple-tipped leaves.  The flower structure is long and finger-like, like stretched out pine cones.  On first glance, Super Skunk is reminiscent of the old "headies" I used to be able to occasionally score in the midwest.

Aroma:  A jar of Super Skunk smells like most generic cannabis from across the room.  It is vaguely sweet and skunky, smelling like classic high-grade cannabis.  Broken buds tell a more interesting story though.  I was surprised by this flower, as Dutch Skunk varieties are typically more sweet than skunky.  This generally warrants disdain and a snobby attitude from most American skunk lovers--I would argue rightfully so, as I am one of them.  However, the aroma on this particular sample reminded me of a more generic version of Trinity or Synergy.  For those who don't know, Trinity is a classic NorCal clone that is known for its incredibly dank, skunky, and funky aroma.  Synergy is reviewed previously on my blog.  This plant has similar tones.  There are the skunky funky notes when flowers are broken up, and these are complimented well by a sort of sweet, silly-puddy-plastic-90s-action-figure smell.  I really appreciate the weird plastic smell which I have only noticed in Trinity and Synergy out of all the cultivars I have grown/smoked.  There are some background scents that one must search hard for, but miniscule amounts of garlic, onion, and old garbage can be noted as well.

Flavor: The flavor is a surprise on this one.  Chlorinated compounds are immediately obvious, as is a cheesy, mildew-like flavor.  Cue the "you're smoking moldy weed bro" comments.  This flower is not moldy (I checked after tasting), but has a weird, cheesy-mildew flavor.  It seriously is like tasting an old gym bag or an old locker room.  This bizarre flavor eventually leaves the palate, allowing more of the notes from the aroma to translate.  The lingering flavor is sweet, plastic-like, and smoky (go figure). 

Effect:  Super Skunk is more of an upper than a downer, and imparts a clear-headed and functional high.  She begins by imbuing creativity, euphoria, and a greater appreciation for music.  This settles down into a more relaxed and dreamy effect.  The stone is long lasting and satisfying, perfect for an early to mid afternoon toke.  While possessing many traits typically associated with sativas, I would not classify Super Skunk as floaty or cerebral.  I prefer Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, or something similar to go on a magic flight of euphoria.  Super Skunk is a mellow and versatile ride.

Overall Experience:  This Super Skunk was grown superbly, there is no doubt about that. I felt that the aroma and flavor were the highlights.  I oddly love cultivars with offensive aromas of skunk, garbage, and putrid matter--Super Skunk manages to capture a couple of them.  She is skunky and funky, but I really love the plastic smells that bring back memories of Silly Putty and Power Rangers.  It's even more incredible when this note translates to flavor in the smoke!  Again, this was really a highlight.  The effect isn't lacking in strength, but in my opinion could use a bit more character.  I want to clarify--the effect really isn't lacking in any arena.  However, it does not excel in any particular area either, other than pure versatility.  Personally, I enjoy varieties with emphasis on something, whether it is extreme euphoria, racing heart/mind/thoughts, super-sleepiness, anxiety relief, etc.  Super Skunk is uplifting and happy, but generic among her specific effects with nothing outstanding.  Overall, I am pleasantly surprised with the quality of Super Skunk genetics, pushed to their full potential by the grower.

DNA Genetics Cannalope Haze (Outdoor)

Origins and Backstory:  This was gifted to me by an anonymous friend and grower.  This variety was grown from a single seed in a 7000' canyon during the 2016 season. .  Outdoor cannabis is always difficult to directly compare to indoor, but I always love a good outdoor sample.  The flavor and even cannabinoid profile seems more "complete," for lack of a better description.  While indoor cannabis can smell heavenly and be incredibly potent, it almost seems like something is missing after smoking some quality outdoor.  The cross is supposedly an original Haze plant and a Mexican landrace.  I suspect there is a bit more indica in here than the breeders let on, but who really knows.

Appearance:  Typical of outdoor cannabis (in my experience, but I understand there are exceptions), this flower is not nearly as pretty as most indoor.  However, the buds are fully developed and highly resinous.  The elongated flowers are an olive green or army green color, and tend to be finger-like as opposed to pinecone or grenade-like.  Some of the calyxes have a slight purple tinge to them--I suspect this is not due to the genetics, but is due to the cool fall temperatures at formidable altitude.  Even knowing this is outdoor, the resin content is so high that the quality can be assumed.

Aroma:  I have never smelled cannabis with such a pronounced cantaloupe bouquet.  The flower truly smells of moss, compost, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and summer prairie.  The uniquely cantaloupe smell compels one to break open buds, and sniff the innards repeatedly.  The fruit notes are candied and sweet, very similar to those fake citrus fruit slice gummie candies (I have no idea what they're actually called).  If I were to sum up the bouquet in a brief phrase, it would be "cantaloupe gummy creamsicle."  Yes, it's enticing as it sounds.

Flavor: While not as sweet and cantaloupe-like as the aroma, the flavor is still a highlight for this variety.  Floral notes are well-pronounced, reminding me specifically of lilacs.  The flavor is sweet, but not as sweet as the aroma would let on.  There are citrus fruit tones and the honeydew melon comes through well, but is more velveteen in the flavor than in the aroma.  Cantaloupe is present, but the citrus and velvet melon are more remarkable.  The flavor is just as complex as the aroma and the effects.  The grower did an excellent job in his beyond-organic outdoor garden to be able to manifest such subtleties in the smoke.

Effects:  "Wholesome" is the first word that comes to mind describing the effects of this flower.  The feeling after smoking this outdoor Cannalope Haze is euphoric and happy like many sativas, but there are unique elements of satisfaction and contentedness that really set this sample apart.  A complete feeling of overall well-being is prevailing, making this some seriously medicinal cannabis.  The feeling is potent and strong while managing to maintain worldly functionality and is even calming, as opposed to so many other euphoric sativas.  In the Pines from Aficionado Seeds is one of the only cultivars that might be comparable to this Cannalope Haze in terms of effects.  The prevailing theory of why many users find outdoor-grown cannabis superior to indoor-grown is that the sun, compared to indoor lamps, delivers a much wider spectrum of light which in turn facilitates the production of a wider array of cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant.  After sampling this flower, I am a subscriber of this theory.  The comedown is mellow and relaxed without being debilitating in the slightest or requiring any nap, and manages to maintain the overall sense of satisfaction and well-being.  What an incredibly-desirable set of traits!

Overall Experience: While not-so-pretty for those of us accustomed to indoor-grown museum quality flowers, this Cannalope Haze is the best cannabis I've seen from a Colorado grower in at least a couple years.  The terpene profile is diverse and intriguing; cantaloupe and melon aromas are rarely present in cannabis.  Even when they are present, they are often muted or background notes.  This sample really exhibits excellent candied cantaloupe aromas that smell like a tropical vacation!  The effects are so heart-warming, satisfying, and complete that I find myself wishing I had endless amounts of this stuff--paradoxically, you need very little of this cannabis to get the desired effect.  I find myself smoking much less when I use this Cannalope Haze, due to it being so effective, efficient, and inducing contentedness.  Kudos all around to DNA Genetics for breeding this lovely varietal, and to the responsible, mindful grower for doing such an exceptional job in the high altitude Colorado desert.  

AK-47

Origins and Backstory:  I received this from an anonymous friend, who is the only person to date to have flowers grown with enough integrity that not only will I smoke them, but I will write about them.  He is a lover of fruity, sweet, hazy varieties from the days of yore--a truly nostalgic stoner.  I believe he ordered a single seed from Amsterdam, and this was the phenotype.

Appearance:  The floral clusters from this AK-47 specimen are densely put together, and highly resinous.  The quantity of trichomes alone is enough to get one excited.  I appreciate the density of these bright green flowers, and it matches their grenade and/or golfball shape.  Coloration of calyxes and pistils are about par for the course, and there is no purple tint on any of the flowers--some different cultivars from the same garden exhibit purple coloration, making the pure green on these flowers notable.  This looks like high quality indica or hybrid bud.

Aroma:  The aroma of this sample was the biggest surprise to me.  A whole bud placed under my nose brought immediate and pronounced notes of sweet, pink grapefruit.  When buds are broken, the bouquet deepens with complex scents of cotton candy, sandalwood, haze, spice, and velvet.  It is a smell that reminds me of Amsterdam hazes more than anything else, which was greatly surprising.  Everyone has their own experiences, but the AK-47 of my youth was a much woodier, softer smell, almost like an old cedar or pine box.  In totality, this sample of AK-47 is not what I would expect, but is appetizing nonetheless.  The overall aroma could be stronger, and I suspect that other phenotypes with similar aromas of higher intensity could be found.

Flavor:  The flavor of the smoke is similar to that of aroma, with a lot of direct translation.  There are definite grapefruit and wood (but no pine) flavors, more of a sweet-spicy-woody than the flavor I recall from my younger days. I would assume that Amsterdam has done some genetic rearranging since then, but it's equally possible my  memory is warped.  The  flavor is tasty and enjoyable, but is not about to convert the OG or Cookie heads of today.

Effects: The effects from the AK-47 surprised me as well.  I would have thought that compared to the OGs and Chemdawgs of today, AK-47 would pale in potency.  This is not the case, and a three-hit bowl keeps me lifted for up to four hours.   Effects are felt first and foremost in the temples and on the sides of ones head.  Immediately, there is a gliding/floating sensation that comes into perception, building in intensity until a general sense of happiness and euphoria is prominent.  Concerns seem a lot less serious, the world seems a lot friendlier, and I seem a lot happier.  The effect is floaty, wispy, and cloud-like, and reminds me a bit of a less-focused Super Silver Haze.  I think this sample is more toward the indica spectrum of things than SSH, but certainly mirrors the heady effects to some extent.  It is happy and inspiring smoke, and truly is almost entirely felt above the neck, besides some mild tingling in the extremities.  It seems to hold all of the positive aspects of narrow leaf drug cultivars without the drawbacks of raciness, paranoia, dysphoria, etc. This smoke also tends to inspire creativity and curiosity, which makes this the grower's particular favorite.

Overall Experience:   As expected, this sample of AK-47 did not conform to my old memories.  However, judged objectively, it's a surprisingly high-quality flower. The bag appeal is excellent, and I couldn't imagine any smoker not being happy going with the resinous, sparkling, green grenades.  However, I am not alone among smokers to look down my nose at most of the contemporary Dutch gene pool.  Elite clones from the  American underground (and now, the not-so-underground) are in a league entirely superior to most of what can be found in Amsterdam.  There is of course the odd exception.  While I personally preferred other varieties from the same grower, this AK-47 has a plethora of positives.  This flower is strong, euphoric, uplifting, and active.  To be especially appreciated is the uplifting effect which is consistently creative.  How much more valuable can a mind-altering substance be?  For artists, philosophers, and creatives of all kinds, this is a great one to have on the shelf.  The aroma and flavor, while pleasant, do not stand up to other well-known (typically American) seed lines or elite clones in my opinion. While enjoyable and pleasant, it is just not quite complex enough for my adoration.  This is a great variety to be able to draw from for creative endeavors, but is not my daily driver of choice, nor is it a varietal I would pull out to impress OG/Kush/Chem lovers.

Big Bubba Diesel

Origins and Backstory: Big Bubba Diesel is a cross of the pre98 Bubba Kush and Sour Diesel.  I'm unaware of which Sour Diesel clone this is or where it came from.  This plant is grown in medical warehouses in Colorado due to its extreme potency, high bag appeal, and nose.

Appearance: The flowers from this plant are very aesthetically-pleasing.  Greens, purples, blacks, and reds can be seen.  The flowers are incredibly-dense, but they still have a pine-cone structure to them.  They are like elongated or oblong golf balls, like stretching out Bubba Kush flowers without losing density.  The leaves can reach dark hues of purple and black, but the flowers almost always remain a dark green.  The flowers are also highly resinous.  It's obvious this one was bred for the indoors.

Aroma:  Very metallic and chem-like, Big Bubba Diesel is a darker, more rank version of its Sour Diesel father.  It smells like classic dark cave and chemdog, but the fuel tones are a bit sweeter and more fruity.  Strong notes of copper, tin, and iron are present, as are hints of perfectly-ripe papaya and mango.  There are mustier, old style hashish aromas present as well, obviously coming by way of the Bubba Kush side of the lineage.  Sweet, metallic, chem-like, and mild notes of diesel fuel. 

Flavor:  The flavor of Big Bubba Diesel is appropriate for its namesake--it is big and bold, immediately reminiscent of Diesel and middle-eastern Kush.  There are sour, metallic, coppery flavors up front that completely coat the palate like any good Diesel plant.  Big Bubba Diesel is less fuely than diesel but has a pleasantly potent sour flavor.  Also very noticeable are coffee and subtle notes of spicy, marshmallow "Kush" flavors.  It makes me think more of Pure Kush than Bubba, and is really an incredible spin on both the Kush and diesel genetic lines of cannabis.

Effects:  Very indica-oriented, BBD is potent, sleepy, hungry, and happy.  It is long-lasting and very powerful herb.  I was told it has significant CBD content.  While that has never been verified, I could believe it.  This is very deep-cutting and medicinal flower.  She will put you to sleep at the end of the night, and can cut through the stone of nearly any other plant.  If you smoke her earlier in the day, prepare to be productive in nothing but feeding yourself.  This strain inspires munchies of the greatest order.  However, it can be incredibly lethargic and eye-reddening, making mobility a challenge.  This is definitely a headier version of Bubba Kush, and seems to be more potent.  This will hit hard on all fronts--your mind will be stunned, curious, scared, relaxed, and pleased--the body will be deeply relaxed and aches just melt away.  This is powerful, medicinal canna-magic that has tremendous medical value as well as recreational value on the nights in.  This plant will hit just as hard as any OG or Chemdog variety.

Overall Experience:  A favorite nightcap of mine, Big Bubba Diesel is pretty much sure to put you to sleep.  It is so warm and relaxing, and seems to accentuate the luxuries of having blankets and pillows.  In bed with closed eyes, I feel as if floating on clouds and cuddling with puppies.  This flower is very narcotic in its effect, and is not meant for day use.  The aroma and structure make for amazing bag appeal, and the flavor is sure to be enjoyed.  Unfortunately, the only real use I can find for this herb is right before bed.  It might be OK for an evening movie, but I would probably still fall asleep.

TopDawg Seeds Stardawg

Origins and Backstory: Originally bred by JJNYC of Topdawg seeds, Stardawg is now passed around in clone-only form and has been bred with by others.  I acquired a clone from a friend of a proven Stardawg female.  She is originally a cross of Chem 4 and Tres Dawg.

Appearance: Eye-popping, the lime-green, trichome-encrusted flowers from this plant have incredible bag appeal.  They tend to come in smaller, golf-ball shaped nuggets.  The buds are very dense, very bright and resinous, and have bright orange pistils to further catch the eye.  Clearly, appearance was taken strongly into account for whoever selected this phenotype.

Aroma:  Stardawg absolutely reeks classically of skunky, dank cannabis.  Listed in order of prevalence, Stardawg smells of gasoline, diesel/jet fuel, skunk, burnt rubber, body odor, coffee, dirty feet, bad breath, garlic, onion, old rug, and guava juice.  It is incredibly powerful, and can offend non-smokers easily in my experience.  A jar will make you crinkle your nose in a strange sort of satisfied disgust.  It smells like a classic Chemdog strain, disgustingly-awesome.  I absolutely love the near-revolting odor from this flower, and it brings back fond memories of "headies" from the early 2000s.

Flavor:  The flavor of Stardawg is sour and chemdawg-like, but is more metallic and guava/grapefruit than its aroma would imply.  There is a strong aspect of coffee toward the front end of inhalations, but most of the body odor, notes of dirty feet and other offensive bodily functions are (thankfully?) lost in the smoke.  The onion and notes of hashish and spice are subtle but present.  The diverse and complex array of flavors puts a spin on the Chemdawg line.  Chemdawg lovers will find Stardawg familiar but refreshing.

Effects:  Stardawg is a potent, knock-you-out Chemdog variety that is potent and warm as could be. It is a head-numbing/warming indica-dominant smoke that takes one into an hours-long experience.  The creeping effects are long-lasting, and will ultimately end in a clouded, foggy stone.  It is difficult, if not impossible, to feel the more subtle effects of day-brightening sativas after delving into some Stardawg.  Stardawg is very much like a classic Chemdawg; she is very potent, dreamy, euphoric and happy, but there's a more narcotic aspect to Stardawg than I typically associate with the clone-only Chemdawg varietals.  The effect is also felt strongly in the head, but does not imbue any strong motivational senses or much creative thoughts.  Stardawg is ideal for curling up on a winter night with a loved one to watch a movie.

Overall Experience:  Stardawg is an excellent represenation of Chemdawg in a seed line.  It has many of the best traits of Chem 4 and Chemdawg D, and both can be detected in the aroma and flavor.  Stardawg has some Afghan bred into it, giving some vigor and density to the Chemdawg line.  This cultivar is equally adaptable to both the discerning connoisseur, or the casual toker--the smoke is world-class like any Chemdawg, the yields are good, bag appeal is great, and the aroma is incredibly powerful.  Stardawg won't please any fruity-sativa lovers, and while a crowd-pleaser, offends the odd smoker who prefers their cannabis NOT to smell like a hint of death.  Overall a lovely variety, but as a matter of personal preference, I still find both the Chem 4 and Chem D to be ultimately superior smoke.

Aficionado Seeds Long Valley Royal Kush

Origins and Backstory: I received this package of seeds alongside my order of In the Pines.  Long Valley Royal Kush is a bottle-necked variation of Emerald Mountain Legacy and Mandelbrot's Royal Kush.  It is a three way cross of the clone-only Sour Diesel, a highland Afghani cultivar (a pre-soviet variety also known as Salmon Creek Rock Bud), and Garberville Purple Kush.  I can only assume the Purple Kush used is the famed SR-71 cut.  Mandelbrot, who originally bred the variety, meticulously selected his breeding stock from hundreds of plants over seven filial generations.  Aficionado Seeds acquired seeds at this point, and bred for specific traits to the F9 generation.  According to his writing, Mandelbrot tended to keep his populations open; so seeds of the Royal Kush from Emerald Mountain Legacy should tend to yield different phenotypes than the bottle-necked version from Aficionado Seeds.  I germinated all 10 seeds at once and had 100% germination rate.

Appearance:  Most phenotypes are very similar with slight of variation.  The flower culsters are consistently dense and well-formed like pinecones, and the resin production is uniformly copious. Many of the phenotypes exhibit at least some mild purple coloration on the tips of the forest-green calyxes, further contributing to the already-stellar jar or bag appeal.  Most plants are somewhat stocky with average vigor, but I had a standout phenotype that was especially short, small, and slow-growing. 

Aroma:  While the bag appeal is great, the aroma is even better and is probably the most consistent aspect of Long Valley Royal Kush.  Cured flowers are intensely aromatic with many smells classically associated with cannabis.  The bouquet is a powerfully skunky and fuely, porbably being heavily lent from the Sour Diesel and Afghan lineage.  Fuel in cannabis can come in many forms; I have experienced gasoline, jet fuel, motor oil, and virtually all other petroleum products.  LVRK is less jet-fuel like (which I usually associate with OG plants) but is grungier, darker, and seems more like raw oil and tar.  LVRK also has strong tones of sweet grape, especially when buds are broken open.  When I closed my eyes with one phenotype in particular, I was brought back to childhood memories of spreading Welch's grape jam and strawberry cream cheese on a bagel.  An earthy, loamy, soil-like smell is also present in the background.  One phenotype had almost no aroma, smelling like a tomato plant until about day 50 of flower.  Within the last couple weeks of finishing, the same phenotype had produced a stinking, skunky smell that rivaled all her sisters.  The intensely-strong smell from this variety is certainly a highlight and rivals any variety I have found.  The sweet grape and strawberry aromas lend themselves well to the fuel and skunk, all-in-all producing a pungent and unique varietal.  

Flavor:  The flavor of the Long Valley Royal Kush is just as intense as its aroma, but the emphases are put on different notes. LVRK  tastes profoundly fuel-like, coating one's mouth long after smoking in a sour, kerosene-like flavor.  It's reminiscent of Sour Diesel but more intense, and with more complexity.  After the exhale, sweet and sour flavors of plum and grape manifest in the background.  Occasionally, there is a strawberry-jam sweet flavor that delicately finds its presence.  It has a strong and delightful skunkiness that hangs on the palate as well, the flavor I have always classically associated with high quality cannabis.  I really love the way the skunk and fuel from this one linger all over one's mouth.

Effects:  Long Valley Royal Kush is mellow, relaxed, and laid back in traditional Californian fashion.  The effect is so relaxed one could almost call it reassuring.  The laid-back aspect is one I typically associate with California Kush plants like the Socal Master, Bubba, and Hollywood Pure varieties. It is a reliable reducer of anxiety and gives the user a feeling that all is OK both in the inner and outer world.  There is a warmth to the effect as well, one that feels like being wrapped under psychic blankets.  Well-being is a given after smoking the Royal Kush, and consequently it became my staple smoke for a period.  The effect is satisfyingly strong enough that one can smoke it infrequently, but never seems to be overwhelming or dysfunctional.  If one binges on LVRK, a nap will probably be called for later in the day.

Overall Experience:  Like other offerings I've had from Aficionado, the Long Valley Royal Kush is a distinct winner.  I really appreciated the classic effects of happy, calm, and "Zen," and the intensely skunky aroma pairs perfectly.  It is such a tangy, skunky, gasoline-like smell that I have an incredibly easy time smoking Royal Kush more than anything else right now.  Long Valley Royal Kush is an amalgamation of the best traits of classical west-coast American cannabis.  Anyone who likes OG, Chemdawg, or Kush varieties will have a new favorite with the LVRK.  She is a plant that seems fresh compared to some of the more tired clone-only varities, and has nuances to keep the smoker interested.  Even just mentally recalling the intensity of the aroma makes me salivate, the aroma is so potent.  This is a fantastic "daily driver," and fills every niche that a smoker would want from a specific cultivar.  This indeed is a Kush variety fit for royalty!

Bodhi Seeds Dragon Blood Hashplant

Origins and Backstory: From Bodhi Seeds, this unique cultivar is a F1 hybrid of an heirloom Hawaiian sativa and Bodhi's selected male, 1988 G13 x Hashplant.  Bodhi's 88G13HP male is known for contributing vigor, frost, and potency to his progeny.  The Hawaiian sativa used in this cross is known otherwise as "Blood" due to its unique bleeding trait.  When you top this sativa, cut into branches, etc., she bleeds a maroon-red sap that is allegedly higher in brix content than average varieties.  Bodhi describes the mother as "refreshing."

Appearance: The phenotypes differed dramatically in their appearance.  Abnormal floral clusters were common, putting out strange structures that I've not experienced in nearly a decade of growing.  They almost looked like foxtails sometimes, but the abnormalities are in a league of their own, producing strange trident or pitchfork-like structures.  The trichome production was above average with all females, and created a look of whited-out flower.  This is definitely a hashplant.  Due to the frost and strangely-stacked floral clusters, the appearance is a high point of this variety.

Aroma:  Also highly variant, the aroma of Dragon Blood Hashplant is subtly complex.  As a whole, I would say the best phenotypes smelled very similar to a Japanese cucumber soda. Sweet, mildly vegetal/herbal, with strong notes of an almost-effervescent cucumber. It is a sort of grassy, hoppy, grapefruit, and skunky bouquet with a background alien-swamp-meadow thing that for some reason makes me think of alligators.  It reminds me of walking around swamps in Florida, or jungles of Tonga.  The aroma is also a bit citrusy, and has fairly prevalent notes of menthol, mint, and eucalyptus.  Some phenos are very mild in bouquet while others tend to be louder.  Even the most intense phenotypes were only moderately stinky though, which is a bit disappointing.

Flavor: This variety is hashy and complex with the aroma translating well.  Very skunky, the flavor tastes strongly of hops, hashish, and cucumber soda.  These notes blend and mingle on the palate with mentholated herb/eucalyptus aromas, making for a complex and unique flavor.  It is not overwhelming, but it is certainly interesting.  The only other varieties that taste remotely like the Dragon Blood Hashplant that I have experienced are Hashplants and the infamous airborne G-13 clone.  Even these two varieties do not contain the complexities and subtleties in the flavor of DBH.  The flavor definitely has some funk to it that foreshadows the intense effects to come.

Effects:   Dragon's Blood Hashplant is immediately felt behind the eyes, sometimes blurring vision.  It is a slow creeping effect that piques about 30 minutes after the last toke.  Being a hybrid, her effect is a combination of intense mental stimulation and a sense of relaxation in the body.  DBH is cognitively stunning, putting the user into a far-away, introspective mental space that could be categorized as stupefying. This is not what I would consider functional, but is suited to a night alone or alone with a friend.  Thoughts can become a bit racy and frantic, and can push one's thoughts to paranoia.  The heady effects are complimented by a buzzing throughout the body, relaxing the user and turning the eyes to blood red.  The strong body effect seems to mellow the user out more than a typical sativa-dominant plant would, providing for some euphoria as it pushes the user deeper into the couch.

Overall Experience:  Dragon Blood Hashplant gave me many memorable experiences both in growing and consuming.  Certain phenotypes really do have blood red fluids that come out as soon as plants are cut.  I have never seen such a dark red liquid come out of a cannabis plant before!  The bouqet of both plant and flower is incredibly unique, and is the only variety I've experienced with the aromatic quality of "Japanese cucumber soda."  Friends are always impressed with the aroma from a jar as well as the potency of smoke.  Her effect is somewhat oxymoronic; it is stimulating and exciting with the potential to be a bit frightening and out of control, but is also deeply relaxing and warrants a strong sense of well-being.  Dragon Blood Hashplant is a pleasure to grow, and is a great representation of Bodhi Seeds in a lot of ways. Many seeds from Bodhi have truly unique scent/flavor profiles with a potent effect to match, and DBH is no exception.  DBH's best trait is its unsual individuality--cannabis enthusiasts who appreciate the diverse gene pool of cannabis expressions have every reason to love about Dragon Blood Hashplant.