Article by Growth Op
Tangerine Dream (San Rafael ’71)
Cannasseurs rejoiced when this near-legendary plant hit shelves, and for good reason: its capacity to lift mood and relieve pain without locking consumers to their couches is no small feat. Also famed for its heavy citrus flavour and aroma, I found it to be an all-around blast that, frankly, shouldn’ be restricted to summer.
Activities that require a moderate amount of energy match well with this strain: A light, pensive walk through the nearest park or along a shoreline would only be improved by its company, as its 18 per cent THC content should allow the mind to wander while not interfering with balance or motor function if consumed judiciously.
Be mindful of where you discard any joints or hot ash, though — the ground is already hot and dry enough.
Long Weekend (Redecan)
Redecan knew what they were promising with a name like “Long Weekend,” and it doesn’t fall short. Its modest profile makes it ideal for a comfortable outdoor hangout with friends. Pick a legal spot (varied by to province), pull up a seat and let the light buzz make the conversation just that much bubblier and the laughs considerably louder.
While its spicy flavour might jolt the senses at first, an earthy undertone should make it a little more palatable to newcomers. If you’re lucky enough to have a dock to sit on and the free time to sit on it, all the better.
Sunset (LBS)
Don’t let the high THC percentage (18- to 28-percent) fool you. Users tell me that LBS’ terpene-rich, indica-dominant Sunset is far more befitting of a relaxing evening spent stargazing than pursuing energy-driven activities. Yes, that’s right — stargazing. If ever there was a strain to put one in a place of boundless contemplation and shameless couch-lock (grass-lock, perhaps), this would seem to be it. Lay down a blanket and ponder the infinite majesty of the cosmos after hitting this one up. If weather permits, consider doing the same during the day and unwinding with some cloud-gazing. Who knows what shapes you’ll make out as they drift by.
Sunset’s wide terpene profile delivers an intriguing mix of floral notes, spiciness à la black pepper and hoppy humulene.
Ruxton (Broken Coast)
Its gassy, diesel-heavy flavour is a tip-off that this plant puts the “sativa” in “sativa-dominant”; it’s potent to the point of near-psychedelia if consumed liberally. Save your lofty ideas of leisure for another strain and plan for something more engaging, like going to an outdoor music festival — preferably one with a visual component.
When the senses are this primed for stimulation, every passing note can become an ecstatic sonic expression, prompting you to look at both life and new-wave dreampop in an entirely new light.
Balance (Solei)
Solei’s touted hybrid is one of relatively few cannabidiol-heavy strains available from the OCS, and like many LPs, its name is meant to indicate the delicate “balance” they’ve struck between the plant’s THC and CBD (eight per cent and 13 per cent, respectively).
Such an equilibrium surely calls for an equally balanced activity, so try matching it with a light wellness exercise such as yoga or meditation. In tandem with CBD’s bodily relaxation, the mental aloofness that sometimes comes with light THC consumption should make these most enlightening of activities more physically and mentally enjoyable. Participants can let go of the day’s stresses and hone the fine art of spending time with oneself without activating the rapid-fire thought patterns that can be distracting at higher THC concentrations and ratios.
Remember, CBD can sometimes mitigate the effects of too much THC.
L.A. Confidential (Aurora)
Cannasseurs describe this as a calming, but not crippling, hit of the good stuff. Giving off a distinctive and relaxing pine scent, Aurora’s take on the longstanding strain pairs well with watching a game of baseball, football or any sport where tensions are likely going to be running sky-high. Imagine melting away the anxieties of the last few minutes of game time by stepping out somewhere and re-emerging a composed and centered observer among the jeering masses. That’s cool. That’s LA Confidential.
Hints of rosemary, basil, mint and other terpene byproducts add to the appeal with a wide flavour profile.
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White Widow (7Acres)
The folks at 7Acres had their work cut out for them. A strain whose name is almost synonymous with the plant itself, White Widow’s glossy, trichome coat and heavy buds have served (for better or worse) as the aesthetic for “good cannabis” for what seems like eons.
Show this classic strain the respect it deserves by taking it out for a date night and enjoying it prior to an outdoor movie. Neither particularly energizing nor draining, this should be the perfect companion to a night of fine cinema. Soothing enough to let the willing consumer sink into even the most mundane of plots, while stirring enough to keep the eyes glued to the screen.
Oh, and get two bags of popcorn. You’ll thank yourself when you eat a hole through the first one.