Strain:

MIPS: Bakked

The infused product company, Bakked, originally started with cookies and brownies, moved into popcorn and cotton candy, and lately they’ve been putting out some stellar extractions. Herbal Synergy sent over a few samples in early April, and they were potent enough to be cup-contestants. One such hash was more chocolate-colored than its golden contemporaries, with a peppery presence and hints of sweet tea and ginseng. Plus, there was enough for at least 3 doses per critic, as the container was never-ending.

First effects loosened the legs and relaxed the spine, but the heart pounded and stomach gurgled. Functionality hadn’t failed us yet, but a second puff fixed that.  With it, the shoulders dropped and a buzz began in the face and extended to the knees. Over time, even within the next five minutes, it grew to a maddening intensity and near-nervous elasticity.

A strange mix of zombie-like symptoms ensued; we were walking dead, but had goals firmly in mind. With the head rush and energy boost came confidence and drive, say, for a marathon, to jam, or to clean the house–with the kind of body reminiscent of “opium nights” from back in college. Cerebrally, we were lazy and distracted, unable to continue ideas from one step to the next. In each case, atmospheric simplicity was best, in order to focus.

The senses continued to increase over time and silence was unnerving. The room seemed to drop in temperature, and slight paranoia accompanied the louder, stranger sights and sounds. Our slowed-response lapse caused dumb mistakes, from spelling errors to forgetting items on grocery list. Physically, she certainly wasn’t a performance hash–production by quantity was enhanced, maybe–but accuracy, perfection, refinement and practice, were all impaired, and pleasurably.

The strongest two hours gave way to residual remnants for another hour or two.  Munchies were rampant and ranged between sweet and salty extremes; pizza went extremely well with a blood orange cocktail. Overall, the high was curiously inspiring, not in wanting to continue a creative or laborious project, but to start a new one. We should note Herbal Synergy tested Bakked’s other extractions at nearly 30% more cannabinoids–but they possessed nowhere near as much CBD, was the tell-tale hallmark of this particular specimen.

Profile: Hybrid

Testing: 65.01% Total Cannabinoids

See Full Results from Herbal Synergy

MIPS: Herbal Medical Institute

A few years ago, there were concentrate vendors with every assortment of high-altitude wonders a legislation-free industry could produce. In those days we used to toke on a legendary stroke of genius from a few of our editors working at a local dispensary: the infamous Black Hole joint. It was a well-mixed concoction of caviar, hash, Durban Poison, and Earwax, all in a large cone that somehow burned perfectly. They called it the “5-Person Joint” and it sold for $15.

Flash-forward to 2012, when caviar is typically made in-house or shipped in from a MIPs company umbrella. Many of the original vendors are gone, their innovation overtaken by local, and large, operations. Herbal Medical Institute, a small-scale operation, still sells caviar, but they’ve released an all-new “joint” of the of the hash-oil soaked bud, if you can call it that. It’s called the “Dragon Stick,” and we were fortunate enjoy a few at the Cannapages roof-top 420 party.

Unlike those multi-concentrate Black Holes, the D-Sticks are purely HMI’s signature caviar, in pre-rolled cone that is dipped again in hash oil and sprinkled with golden kief for garnish. It came out of the nifty container still sticky. The aroma was overwhelmingly sweet fig, with just a hint of cannabis and honey. Somehow the black hash oil tended to fudge the fingers easily–but the taste induced salivation.

It was thick and ever-glowing. One hit, and we were done. Functionality was proportional to dosage and reviewers reported confidence, defining their attitudes as “hipster” and “suave.” Body-numb, we were reserved but not foggy, tingling but calm. Emotions ran high…some were thoughtful, and we were all curious and awake. Most of all, we needed more people to help us finish the whole thing.

That said, the Dragon Stick is worthy of at least 10 bowls, or more, to even a dedicated smoker. After a while, it was like trying to draw glue through a sock. “This could burn for an hour” the distributor told us. “But we’re working on how evenly and smoothly it actually does burn.”

Whether the new form of the ‘stick’ is more caviar by weight than you can purchase in grams normally–well, that you’ll have to decide for yourself. Buy bulk, or bowl excess from the Dragon Sticks; either way, HMI’s caviar is a potent topper in small doses to other strains, joints or hand-rolled cigarettes for a sweet kick. In a perfect utopia, if 20 people could pass this concentroll–and if it could still pull as well on the last drag as the first–you could medicate an entire crowd in very little time. Theoretically, it’s the “20-Person Joint.”

Product:

MIPS: Honest Abe’s Edibles (Sweet Grass Kitchen)

While nobody knows the whole story behind the fiasco that created Benjamins, Benz, and Honest Abes edibles from the same initial group of partners, it’s no wonder that each company has produced a similar competitor to the Cheeba Chew. Sweet Grass Kitchen, which also offers a 60mg “Choco Log” through Mountain High Edibles, produces a higher-quality, 100mg version of the tootsie-roll confection, the Cocoa Roll. Like its contemporary Cheeba-competitors, a strong citrus taste masked the cannabis and even cocoa–but unlike any of the others, it was soft and velvety, pulling from the wrapper like a freshly-baked brownie.

Some effects were felt instantly. Given its size and gooey viscosity (it sat in the mouth and required above-average salivation and chewing) the THC was already running through the bloodstream by time it got to the stomach. Subtle levity was accompanied by a momentary head buzz. The first waves became numbing and narcotic as the world slowed.

The eyelids grew heavier as muscles began transformation to rubber. Thirty minutes passed before a definitive high developed. Somewhat disorganized, the cloudy head magnified exhaustion. A buzz extended from its core in the cerebellum, down the spine and into the leg, bringing upon weightlessness.

Brain circuitry had disconnected. Several of us attempted analytical thinking, but couldn’t think straight, much less sit through a math lecture. During the second hour another rush hit, onset in the center of the head, conjuring more creativity and a sudden burst of awareness. It was accompanied by a further sinking feeling, although more cohesive and optimistic. This turned into a minor plateau which allowed functionality but didn’t die.

Over time, the high led to a haunting and eerie introspection. Silence didn’t help, especially the hour before sunset, when the landscape becomes a two-faced version of itself, part in direct light, the other, shadow. But thankfully, that’s where the philosophy stopped in a stalemate of long daze (a spring day is preferable to autumn).

Be warned that, like most edibles, a person will be uniquely affected based on metabolism, tolerance, size, blood pressure, and more. Taken too early, the Cocoa Roll can burn out or wasted day; late ingestion can zap motivation and inspire bedtime. Both Roll and Choco Log were recommended by one bud-tender, and shrugged at by another (both were of similar physical size). While we feel both products offer more potency than the Cheeba Chew, only the patient can decide for themselves.

Dispensary: Garden of the Gods

While the High Times Cup brought upon an onslaught of mystery gems into the office this past weekend, there were 4/20 Rally Cup entries that also deserved acclaim. One of our favorites, Vanilla Kush, was the best contender from Garden of the Gods’ offerings, violet, meaty and well-aged. Its hallmark was a piercing lime aroma, with vanilla bean undertones, if not an almond creaminess. Some critics compared the taste to that of Mountain Dew; either way, it filled the room completely with a rank and pungent sour.

The first wave was a swallower. Heavy pressure compressed chest and forehead, while a body-blanket of narcotic pain relief covered each limb. A tingling in the crown of the head spread to eyes and lips, buzzing throughout. But cerebrally–even with a tinge of growing hysteria–we remained functional and able to problem-solve internally. The challenge was self-expression.

The Critics waited for the climb to reach a notable plateau but there was none. It was not one for meditation. Cognitively, both speech and thought-process tended to slur….one may become misunderstood, even to friends. Slow, stupid mistakes became commonplace, almost suspiciously.

The high was optimistic, fun and safe. “To sum up the experience, psychologically,” one commented, “Tip of the tongue syndrome. I was waiting for something to happen with almost clairvoyant confidence, without knowing what IT was.” The atmosphere was full of absurd distractions. It was emotional and provocative throughout, and often the primer for lucid artistic expression, but only after finding comfortable furniture. Our musical tastes settled on inspiration from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Vanilla Kush will linger up to 5-7 hours and  must be carefully scheduled, if not paired with a Sativa, to avoid burnout. Without it, the high can end dazed, frozen in position, caught between daydreaming and REM sleep. Yet, tolerance to the strain did not develop quickly, meaning better efficiency with dosage over time. From start to finish, this morsel delivered on every level: great cure, grind, smell, taste, impression and follow through.

Profile: Indica (Kush x Hash Plant)

Testing: Pending

Sativas

Sativa 5
Critics Score: 7.9
Sativa 5’s rustic citrus aroma was the first characteristic to strike us. Her high was energizing, bright and merry, generally focused and ready to go. Forty minutes of a subdued madness were followed by another 1.5 hours of lingering electricity. One critic wrote “The strain makes me want to get out of the house or do something fun.” A recommended prelude to cleaning house, shopping, or any weekend project.

Sativa 7
Critics Score: 6.4
This olive green hairless bud was covered in a crystal white blanket, and possessed a strong lemon pine essence. She was relaxed but not tired. The head was flying but with little energy. Recommended for film viewing and reading academia.

Sativa 9
Critics Score: 8.5
This tight nug reeked of margarita, possibly caipirinha. Bright, but with a tinge of hangover heaviness, she was non-stop creeping craziness. Initially dull, the rise came five minutes after first puff and slowly turned the mind to a sponge and the body to rubber. Empathetic and fun, she was a suitable athletic strain with up to three hours response. Critics also recommended her for exploratory brainstorming, as one critic wrote, “for thinking outside the box but not so far as to create B.S.” A great pair for road-tripping or a Saturday morning riverside walk to the farmer’s market.

Sativa 19
Critics Score: 8.1
Sativa 19 had an aroma like green tea, and a response just as bland. Critics did not slight visuals in terms of sensitivity to light and dark, but for the most part, she was a quiet body buzz with main cerebral processing slowed. Physical reflexes were nearly disabled; she was a stylish strain but tended to be lazy when rushed, and finnicky. Syntax was also impaired, and eventually, motor skills. It was at least two hours of definitive, yet laid back, displacement.

Sativa 26
Critics Score: 8.8
Organic and earthy, Sativa 26 was a great sweet and sour strain that activated a true creative high. A powerful creeper, she never came on too strong for a work, studying, or general meditation, but still rounded out for a pleasurable experience. For the entire two hours, concentration stayed intact; we were able to pay attention, be functional, and stay away from the munchies.

Indicas

Indica 2
Critics Score: 9
Indica 2 was a light green and pink; its frosty interior even gave way to subtle blues and purples. Even more intriguing was her citrus aroma, that of a Californian orange grove, with a homemade creaminess. Her high was spacy and buzzing, producing “lots of inner chatter,” according to one critic. A creeper that never stops, best paired with a fine rootbeer, like Sprecher’s.

Indica 6
Critics Score: 8.2
Musky, sweet and dark, Indica 6 was an extreme creeper; that is, it took a very long, long time to feel her full effects. Functionality crumbled in time, but in general, the strain was chilled, yet distracted. A comfortable zone-out evolved into side-effects characteristic of ADHD kids.

Indica 8
Critics Score: 7.8
Indica 8 was a dark green with hazel hairs and a creamy, berry aroma (with arguable plum or grapes, very pinot noir). Uplifting but not energetic, the strain was thought-provoking, but only from the comfy confines of a couch cushion. Creative but unmotivated, we tended towards humor over philosophy. The peaks leveled off quickly into a long, mellowing plateau.

Indica 9
Critics Score: 8.3
Critics reported a spacey and paranoid high, relaxed but not tired or focused. The initial hour was a majestic rocker, but the stoned remnants lasted for the whole day thereafter. Recommended for the post-work collapse when you have no more responsibilities or decisions to make, aside from which chair to fall asleep in.

Hybrids

Hybrid 3
Critics Score: 8.7
This pinewood-chem smelling wonder was a spacey high, and rushed. According to one critic, she “creeps into the center of the body from starting just under the skin.”

Hybrid 4
Critics Score: 7.9
Hybrid 4’s sparse hair-cover may have been its more striking characteristic but its aroma was the most memorable. The “Fruity Pebbles” smell was pungent but not very represented in the smoke. Still, we critics enjoyed a twitchy, energetic high, one that carried the body at a faster pace than the mind. It was difficult to sit still, yet we lacked the motivation to do something or think clearly.
sdfjOverall, Hybrid 4 rose at an average pace and was a dependable pick-me-up. To avoid a rollercoaster in energy levels (ending in burnout) you’ll have to dose lightly throughout the day rather than all at once, and make your plans early. A late onset of light munchies came at the end of a 2.5 hour experience.

Hybrid 7
Critics Score: 7.4
This dense crystalline bud was musky, with a hint of blood orange. Its strong dose was uplifting but rushed, but happy. Reviewers also tended towards a slight paranoia. “Best for picking up a guitar,” a critic wrote, “but your fingers will be sticky.” Rampant munchies noted.

Hybrid 19
Critics Score: 7.6
Hybrid 19 had seeds but was sticky and dense. Her high was stately and substantial. Not very mind-warping, but satisfactory body and creeping head. Many of us wrote the strain off initially, but she was potent in the end, after just a few puffs.

Hybrid 22
Critics Score: 8.2
Recommended for entertaining yourself when there’s nothing else to do, Hybrid 22 is a sparkling entry with the taste of sour apple. She brought upon a tingling body high which focused on random body parts, such as ears, certain fingers, etc. Slightly frantic but not panicked, the high grew exponentially but not quite as high as the trichome cover may have suggested.

Hybrid 30
Critics Score: 8.3
A certain loneliness can be attributed to the curried Hybrid 30. A creeper by trade, this entry is probably best for lackadaisical floating down the river or whimsical picnics in the park. Proactive but spacey, soothing but maddening, she chilled out well after dinner, but not without a slice of paranoia and general obsessive-compulsive curiosity.
sdfjA strange disconnect, the high brought upon a brain fatigue that felt like a hiccup or bubble sitting above the brow. Pair with salmon, pineapple and teriyaki, with some crushed red pepper or other zest.

Hybrid 33
Critics Score: 8.4
This strain tasted between metallic and raspberry mocha, with hints of sage. Her effects, although broad, forced couch-lock and sinking eyes. Clumsiness resulted from slowed-down muscle response and the day ground to a halt. Best for weekend relaxation or at least after-dinner cocktail, and suitable response after only 2 doses.

Hybrid 35
Critics Score: 8.4
Hybrid 35 is a sweet and woody nugget, with an odor like Pine Sol perfume. A focused but dizzying high, conversation was nearly impossible. She was a quick creeper, with the indica effects coming on first, and cerebral madness developing over 30 minutes of initial ascent. Recommended for chronic, nagging pains. Also a proper wake-and-bake, but not in large doses; 1 hit should do enough, and last 2 hours or so.

Concentrates

Concentrate 1
Critics Score: 9.2
This entry looked like a miniature funnel cake. One puff is probably enough for most people, including seasoned cannabis veterans. But the specimen was surprisingly functional even at high dosage. The initial zap to the brainstem and forehead was good for 1000 stories from scratch, creatively, as the warped mind adjusted to its distance from reality. Ultimately for the Cannabis lover, you’ll never know just how displaced you were until the next morning. Pair with a thick steak.

Concentrate 2
Critics Score: 9.3
This fluorescent neon yellow specimen was extreme upon first hit and riveting. Zoned out, we absolutely tried to avoid complications or confrontations. The high was stumbly, numb and warm, “commanding but peaceful.” Somewhat weak-kneed at times, critics were foggy eyed, sloppy but not subdued. Somehow aloert and focused, nobody felt like doing much but feeling the bugger creep.

Concentrate 12
Critics Score: 8.9
This canary yellow beauty was emotional and vulnerable, if not sentimental, for the first hour. Face buzzing, the body displayed a crazy spasticity. Time eroded. Critics were disorderly and thoughtful yet basked in a feeling of the grandiose – t’was a great writing tool, but absolutely too dysfunctional for work.
sdfjThe waves of inebriation came on strong and then leveled off over three or four hours. Overall it was focused but not a multi-tasker. Peripheral vision was impaired, and coffee, necessary.

Concentrate 13
Critics Score: 9.7
This sparkling golden peanut brittle will shatter into the air. Her smell is a seductive plum. Ultimately, it wasn’t until the second puff that a percolating expansion felt activated, and from there a relaxed yet spacy couchlock ensued.
sdfjNot for weak-hearted, three doses are near-detrimental. Foggy eyed and sped up, the heart raced, but not unbearably. The body buzzed turned into a clairvoyant levity. Heavy dosage is too much and can result in grinding hangover. The mind disconnected from the mouth at times, and we were speechless or outspoken.

Concentrate 20
Critics Score: 7.4
This dark amber shatter buzzed the face and head like shifting tectonic plates. Although the spaciness and narcotic elements came with each puff, the third dose was a spectacular knockout punch. Overall, we enjoyed a mix of functionality with waves of flush hot spells, and general disorder. Recommended for swimmers.