421 Review

Pineapple

2011-01-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Pineapple offers one of the more balanced highs I've ever experienced. And, as the name suggests, aesthetics on these sweet bursting buds are nearly off the charts.

Vaped or burned, Pineapple is a masseuse for your brain parts. A deep tissue treatment leaves mind and body on a cloud, and all points of stress and pressure simply evaporate. Steaming towels of Indica induced apathy wrap you down from there. Knock back a favored beer and fry up some plantains as you lounge around for the rest of your waking hours.

The strain of course tastes like pineapple in the same way purple-drink tastes like grapes: not really. All skunk aside, a lightly acidic citrus tingle mixes cleanly with the scent of fresh candy to imitate the tropical fruit. Vaporizing also brings out tones of molasses and a familiar hint of cedar. But no, there's no true taste of pineapple in Pineapple. Still, it's a well triched, amply built bright green bud with twisty yellow hairs, so the aesthetics are nonetheless pleasant.

At less than $10 a gram, I highly recommend this strain to anyone, especially those seeking a low-risk means of stepping up their pot game. Vaporizing is the best way to go, especially when you have nowhere else you need to be... completely.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Ideal Users: Any and All

Ideal Method: Vaporizer

Carrier: Independent Distributor

Price: $9(g) (Random sized eighth/fist-full method)

Date Enjoyed: 1/5//2011

Calio

2011-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

On the bright side, Calio has the crisp mix of cedar and citrus reminiscent of The Kali. See The Kali for the basic rundown on aesthetics.

Whether or not these very similar strains are in fact related is unknown to me, but at $60 an eighth, The Kali is much preferred to Calio. The initially ecstatic buzz ends harshly, requiring additional Calio consumption (or initial over-consumption) for a mere half hour of the fuzzy giggles. After that, it's anxiousness and headaches for the next hour or so, or until Calio peters out in a pathetic retreat to normalcy.

Maybe it was just the holidays, but I'd recommend skipping this strain. If this is somehow the only bud you can get, roll up a fatty and blaze right through it without looking back.

Overall Rating: Meh to Average

Ideal Users: Money to Burn

Ideal Method: Bluntage

Carrier: HPC

Price: $16(g) ($60 eighth at 3.75g)

Date Enjoyed: 12/16//2010

Chronicles of Site Reorganization Part 2

2011-01-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

Reviews are coming along nicely. I'll be posting about my encounters with Calio and Pineapple very shortly. In the mean time, just know we're plugging away at the new cite design.

Happy New Years from 421Review!

Chronicles of Site Reorganization Part 1

2010-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Millions of Beloved Readers,

Hey. We're compiling more... uh... "content" whilst we reorganize for a site move.

The new digs will incorporate local art and culture coverage with a clean new feel. And pot.

We will be on 421Review.com after January. I'll be chronicling our shit over the next few weeks, so check back for periodic updates. Later.

Blue Diesel

2010-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

So, if you take part in the cannabis experience often, you've probably heard of strains called Sour Diesel, NYC Diesel, or Princess Diesel. If not, you absolutely must try them. Or better yet, you should try this new hybrid strain called Blue Diesel.

Blue Diesel (henceforth known as BD) is very much like its Sour Diesel counterpart. It has rich fruity flavors, strong citrus smells, and a tangy aftertaste. However, I found that BD offered up one big difference: its blue! No, seriously, the buds of this new strain actually have a blue hue, which would make sense considering that its made up of Blue Cheese and Sour Diesel. There are some reports that its actually Blueberry, which makes sense, but that's actually the Himilaya Blue Diesel.

At first glance, you can't help but just fall in love with BD. Its blue and white hues, shimmering crystals, and plentiful red hairs, make it an absolute gorgeous bud. I found it offered up all the characteristics of an instant classic. Particularly, when vaporized; the flavors just never seemed to stop. It was literally an explosion of fruitiness that ended with a spicy but sour tang. You could just as easily pack yourself a nice fat bowl and enjoy the ride, but you'll lose a lot of the aforementioned flavors.

The experience itself was very pleasing. I felt like I was catapulted into the heavens (HAHA) within just a few seconds. Very much like Sour Diesel, you immediately feel a permeating explosion in your head and body that is very pleasing. No dreaded couch lock here; you feel completely cognitive and aware of your surroundings.

Overall, BD is phenomenal! It provided all of the characteristics of an old-school favorite, but with a new twist. I would recommend this bud for all users who are looking for something that isn't going to give them the anxiety that comes along with a lot of newer hybrids.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Ideal Users: Everyone

Ideal Method: Vaporizer

Carrier: HPC

Price: $13.888(g) ($50 eighth at 3.75g)

Date Enjoyed: 08/31/2010

Kush (SF Hydro)

2010-08-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

This Kush drops a sweet chemical bomb of splendid stupidity. If not for my even more prolific coffee habit, the notion of writing this review may never have occurred. I am morbidly content.

It's perfect that I have nothing to do aside from getting a haircut and maybe grabbing a burrito -- maybe chicken Pra Ram instead. Or maybe both.

Come to think of it, I'll also be grabbing a larger sack of this Kush. It's the tits.

Thank God I have ice cream in the fridge.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Ideal Users: Suffering; or Tommy Chong impersonators.

Ideal Method: Vaporizer... or swishers.

Carrier: Independent Provider

Price: $11.42(g) ($40 eighth at 3.5g)
Date Enjoyed: 8/25/2010

Yum Yum Good Bar

2010-08-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

OK, so remember when you were a kid, and you would get space ice cream in those little metal foil packages? Well, this is the same concept, with one exception...these little foiled treats actually take you to space.

Slightly bigger than a cliff bar, these raspberry infused shortbread treats from the Vapor Room not only taste amazing, they pack a punch. Each bar is two doses, and at just $6.00, you can't go wrong. I can personally guarantee you'll be feeling like Ziggy Stardust in 45 minutes or less, with a high that can last upwards of 4-6 hours.

Aside from being extremely potent and incredibly delicious, Vapor Room's little wonder is not terribly sweet. In the past, I've found that a lot of clinics like to use massive amounts of sugar to cover the taste of cannabis. This, to me, is a big no-no. The Yum Yum Good Bar reminds me of my grandma's raspberry cobbler.

As we've mentioned before on 421 Review, edibles should be approached with caution. If you're new to eating cannabis, you may only want to eat half the bar, or less. Otherwise, you'll need the assistance of ground control and Major Tom.

Overall Rating: Woah

Ideal Users: Experienced with Edibles

Ideal Method: Munch with anything; tastes great

Carrier: Vapor Room

Price: $6 (double dose)

Date Enjoyed: 8/15/2010

Animated

2010-08-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

It's a new strain for me, but the experience isn't entirely unique. Animated is pure, textbook Sativa.

If nothing else, Animated is also an exhibit against judging cannabis on smell or appearance alone. These big ugly nuggets taste and look like rotting Christmas trees. Still, the mind high more than makes up for any aesthetic weaknesses.

Many cannabis users of course enjoy their tasty looking, fruity smelling buds -- or perhaps a skunky hydroponic Kush -- so Animated's thin scent of decomposing evergreens may disappoint. Neither the dark, uniform green color, nor the gnarly brown hairs inspire much.

These aesthetics are typical signs that the cannabis was grown outdoors. Though not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, outdoor cultivation usually produces cannabis that tastes or smells similar to what it was grown around, what was in the soil the plants grew up through (on that note, I also sense a sour hint of tomato vine). As such, outdoor grows likely won't bring the cannabis to the "true potential" that can be realized in more controlled environments. If grown in a controlled setting, you could get a nice, musty grapefruit scent and a very hairy bud out of Animated. Who knows what else the high may hold for you.

In all, Animated was enjoyable. It was built for the mind high aficionado, and if you can find a good indoor version, it will do you well.

It's a decent bud for the cyclist, biker, skater, alpine athlete, flying tomato, or any other type of active person in that, once you get up, its hard to mentally sit down again for an hour or two. Beginners or skittish types should probably stay away from Animated.

Helpful hint: the more experienced or curious person might try combining Animated with their favorite body stone, a Kush or something like that. I packed it with AK-47, and a choir of angels sang for me.

Overall Rating: Good to Excellent

Ideal Users: Sativa Lovers

Ideal Method: Bong rip; maybe augment with Indica.

Carrier: Patients Helping Patients

Price: $14.28(g) ($50 eighth at 3.5g)
Date Enjoyed: 8/16/2010

Ogre

2010-08-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ogre's fluffy pillows of indoor Indica give a body high as crisp as its citrus scent.

And that pretty much sums it up.

As girls say when describing a boring date to his friends, "He's... nice?"

Further along those lines, I also thought of a few reasons why they could easily call the strain "Shrek": it's a quick, warm, uplifting ride that inspires a few giggles; but it's also a pretty short trip, and even multiple tries never quite takes things to the next level.

I had to go through a few bowls in the vaporizer to stay even pleasantly lit, and when I tested the ceiling on Ogre with some rips from my bubbler, I was surprised by the overall weak performance. The stone you get ten minutes in is the same stone you'll find an hour later, no matter how much you consume.

So while I did enjoy Ogre (no really, it really was a nice, precious little bud that I'm sure will make someone very happy), it's just a little soft. Ogre would, however, be an ideal selection for beginners and those who suffer from anxiety but fear over medication.

Overall Rating: Average to Good

Ideal Users: Beginners and the anxious

Ideal Method: Vaporizer; perhaps a joint

Carrier: Vapor Room

Price: $15.27(g) ($55 eighth at 3.6g)

Date Enjoyed: 8/13/2010

OG Kushkie from NCHRC

2010-08-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

Houston, we have...uh... a really good problem.

It's the pleasurable little paradox known as the OG Kushkie from Nor Cal Herbal Relief Center.

Standard OG Kushkie: strong OG Kush body stone packed into a $5 cookie.

NCHRC OG Kushkie: intense body stone and a mind high that roars like a T-Rex. Seriously. $10.

Barely the size of the lid on your peanut butter jar, these Kushkies would seem too small for the $10 price tag. But let me assure you, it's the best deal in town.

Why? How? Tear one quarter off one of these little bad boys. In 45-70 minutes' time, you'll be buzzing off in your own private helicopter for a four to six hour trip over Happy Town. Do the math.

Now, before you rush off down Ocean Avenue to grab an OG Kushkie at NCHRC, here's a friendly tip from your friends at 421 Review: unless you really know what you are doing and have confidently handled a smaller amount of the same Kushkie before, DO NOT EAT THE WHOLE THING!

Ever hear about people checking themselves into an emergency room because they think they've melted into a Salvador Dali? Yeah, so, especially if you are new to this, DON'T EAT THE WHOLE THING!

I'm not sure what these guys do to their stuff, but the stone is excellent and the flavor ain't bad either.

Overall Rating: Woah

Ideal Users: Experienced with Edibles.

Ideal Method: Munch with anything; tastes decent.

Carrier: NCHRC

Price: $10, but it's like $2.50 per cookie for 4 cookies!

Date Enjoyed: 8/7/2010

Indica/Sativa Tab

2010-08-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Check out our basic breakdown of Indica versus Sativa strains.

5 Steps to Kill a Bill: No On 19

2010-08-06T12:05:00.001-07:00

As a long time cannabis user, as a long time student of American politics, and as a successful political consultant, I'm beyond enthusiastic about California's Prop 19 (Synopsis at the bottom of the post).

Still, some people oppose Prop 19. Most of you reading this site know and understand why these opponents are wrong, so instead of beating a dead horse, let's take a quick look at how these opponents are battling policy reform.

Read more at What Were They Smoking?

Afghan Goo

2010-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, living in one of San Francisco's most bohemian and culturally grounded neighborhoods (Haight/Ashbury) I've over the years experienced my fair share of medical marijuana from both independent providers and dispensaries. But I must say, there's something special about Afghan Goo (henceforth known as Afgoo). Not only is it one of the more tasty buds I've got from an independent provider lately, its also just as the name suggests: gooey to the core.

With that being said, lets get into it. At first sight, Afgoo seems to be your run of the mill 'beaster' with its dark green color, rich tan undertones and countless red hairs. However, upon further inspection, you'll see that's just not the case. This beautiful example of a hybrid bud is dense and drenched in trichome that will have your fingers sticking and glistening in the sun. Pull it open and you're overwhelmed with a strong aroma; the smell is very pungent with hints of fresh pine. As you continue to dig into the center of the bud, hues of white and tan appear covered in crystals.

Grinders have little to no effect on Afgoo, so Joint rollers be warned: this might not be the most suitable bud for you. This type of gooey strain works best in a dry glass pipe.

Upon inhaling, the strong taste of of pine and wood came out in rich, colorful flavors. I was amazed by how smooth the taste was. It threw me for a loop; it felt like inhaling some fresh Tahoe air.

Not long after, a warm sense of awareness began to take effect. It provided an experience that was both mental and physical. The high was mellow yet stimulating, leaving my extremities feeling loose and tingly.

What I loved most about Afgoo was that its a great social pot. I found myself being able to interact and have fun (no dreaded couch potato syndrome here). I felt spacey, but completely cognizant with little to no after effects.

This bud is a great value at $50.00 an eighth. If you live in San Francisco or are planning on making a trip to the city anytime soon, be sure to pick up some Afghan Goo. This strain has been making its rounds throughout the Upper and Lower Haight areas. Currently, several independent providers and dispensaries have it available.

If your local dispensary or independent provider has some Afgoo, be sure to pick it up. I can assure you, you're not going to be disappointed.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Ideal Users: Everyone

Ideal Method: Dry glass pipe

Carrier: Independent provider (your dispensary may have it)

Price: $13.888(g) ($50 eighth at 3.75g)

Date Enjoyed: 05/03/2010

What Were They Smoking? 8-2-10

2010-08-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Check out our latest cannabis-inspired random-post in the What Were They Smoking? section of 4:21 Review, or just click the title of this post to see my account of Giovanni's Pizza at Club Deluxe.

The Kali (of Mexico Way)

2010-08-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

This bud has been compared to ecstasy. I've never rolled, but I will say this much: sex on The Kali is better than sex.

Share The Kali with your partner to feel both mind and body mesh with amazing clarity. Or you can just use it yourself and pretend your partner feels the same way.

But heck, if sex just isn't your idea of a good time, vape on The Kali (henceforth known simply as Kali) to set those creative juices boiling. Kali ushers you into an incredible state of relaxation whilst sparking your most intensely creative brain muscles into overdrive. It's great for finishing up on languishing projects... like this blog.

On top of that though, you can smoke ounces of this strain and feel nothing other than really, really damn good. Naps are optional, so if you're tired but really want to finish studying philosophy or keep plowing through the second season of Mad Men at 4a.m., just blaze more.

Kali's buds display a liberal dusting of snowy trichs over alternated stubs of dark forest-tipped, moss green florets.

I found another review of this strain that pretty much sums up taste and smell. Edited for clarity: "Explosion of lemon. It has a nice taste that has the freshness of a forest, and it feels like anesthesia in your mouth and tongue. Acid on the exhale stays in your mouth for a few minutes."

Must buy.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Ideal Users: Those prone to social anxiety while high will catch a break here; and Mr./Mrs. Luvah Luvah.

Ideal Method: Perfect for vaporizing.

Carrier: Indi Provider

Price: $11.111(g) ($40 eighth at 3.6g)

Date Enjoyed: July 29 - August 2, 2010.

Banana, Circa 2007

2010-07-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

I was thinking to myself the other day, "If you had to choose one strain that sticks out in your memory, one unique strain of cannabis you've experienced in your life that you just had to tell everyone about, which one would it be?"

Answer: Banana, circa 2007.

Banana's got everything! It packs the locomotive punch of a solid Trainwreck, but it rounds off with a simultaneous serving of the most soothing Sativa.

With even a small amount, you can float like a marshmallow in a pool of melted cocoa-butter while maintaining almost complete cognitive efficiency. It feels like you died and came back as a fantastic lovechild born from a mid-summer's romp involving Buddha, Einstein, and the Little Mermaid. Heck, maybe the Energizer Bunny was there too, 'cause it keeps going, and going, and going...

Aesthetics are key as well; it's ideal for vaporizing, especially when cured properly. The name comes from the scent of freshly cut banana, and the colors are similar to a just-picked version of the same fruit. On the bud's surface, a sparkly, vivid green interlaces with a sharp chartreuse. Pull it open, and a mushy layer of tanish hues lightens to an off-white as you look toward the stem. The trichs are not overt, but blunt rollers be warned: your fingers may become permanently glued to the table.

Texture? Density? If you run out of goose down or break your fancy foam setup, you could stuff a mattress with this strain. Stuffing a bowl wouldn't hurt either.

A little goes a long way, and a lot will render tropical vacations obsolete. I went about my life almost as usual, excepting that I felt an easy sense of empathy with everyone I spoke to. All that said, I wouldn't recommend it to a true beginner, unless you've got the next day off and a cupboard full of snacks at the ready.

I can't find it anymore, so if you do, email our blog so I can give you my mailing address. Seriously.

Overall Rating: Woah

Ideal Users: Come one come all, unless you have something really important to do.

Ideal Method: Vaporizing is good, but if you can find Banana, celebrate by packing the biggest bong you can find. Cheers!

Carrier: Patients Helping Patients

Price: $16.6667(g) ($60 eighth at 3.6g)

Date Enjoyed: Through Fall 2007... or somewhere thereabouts.

Bubba Kush

2010-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Bubba Kush is a damn good value at $45 an eighth. I got mine for $50, but I'm still pretty pleased.

It's not the strongest ever, but the experience somehow actually resembles its name: Bubba, because it leaves you feeling, big, friendly, and slow; Kush, because, well, it's Kush. So Bubba Kush is good cannabis for homebodies, and is a decent option for the "Woah dude!" mind high enjoyed by the occasional yet generally experienced user.

It sure warms my cockles. A heavy, warm body high augmented by a bubbly, almost giddy unconscious greatly enhances mindless activity, such as clerical work or staring at artsy movies your friends force you to watch -- perfect for the San Francisco twenty-something.

Train of thought runs on pretty short tracks here though, so Bubba Kush may present some anxiety to the true beginner. The anxious types aside, most of you will find this dull yet somehow flighty state of mind rather entertaining.

It is a rather plain looking bud, which would normally put it low on my aesthetic ladder. A thick yet airy Kush (more of the NorCal hydro than outdoor or serious Afghan density) shows a dark olive hue. The buds are littered with stringy, dark, almost violet hairs. There are few if any visible trichs, but Bubba Kush's robust, skunky bouquet of ripe fruit sure drew a few glances on the bus ride home.

FYI - Once the buds are a little dryer, the sweet skunk gives way to piss-like ammonia. Still vapes clean though.

For me, Bubba Kush is great for kicking back or sipping coffee to easy listening or pop-oriented jazz artists, a la Pat Metheny, Andy McKee, Milt Jackson, maybe Radiohead, or some Motor City Rhythm and Blues. I'm chillin' to Antoine Dufour right now. Of course, some more experienced or thrill seeking users may desire more kick from their cannabis. Bubba Kush puts a damper on the headbanger or the b-boy in you.

Having also picked up some Sensi Star, I mixed the two in a blunt for a more comprehensive experience. Still, a decent strain overall.

Overall Rating: Good to Excellent (Depends on price)

Ideal Users: Homebodies, or occasional stay-in stoners.

Ideal Method: Vaporize. Blunts are always good for thick body highs too though.

Carrier: Not Listed

Price: $13.888(g) ($50 eighth at 3.6g)

Date Enjoyed: 1/13/2010

Sensi Star

2010-01-13T14:40:00.001-08:00

Sensi Star is one of the more elegant strains I've experienced over the last year or so, and I was happy to start off 2010 with an eighth of such excellent cannabis.

While Sensi Star lacks the whopping body stone and marathon duration of 2007's star strain, Banana, it indeed ushers you into a velvety, La-Z Boy of an ultra mellow mind high. Light, warm sensations radiate from the cranium, providing subtle yet distinct accouterments to standard consciousness.

Presenting a crisp winter green under a dusting of frosty trichs, the buds are dense and feature bricky tufts of dark cayenne hairs. Aloof aromas of lemon, birch, and lavender combine for a lightly refreshing scent which ripens to a restrained floral tang when vaporized, a delicate spice when smoked.

Were it not for the price, I would recommend this strain for all using or interested in using cannabis. It is not economical; however, the mind enjoys great flexibility while suffering essentially no overt let alone overpowering anxiety. Sensi Star thus goes highly recommended for those suffering from bouts of anxiety, or for those who tend towards the skittish or paranoid with most cannabis experiences.

For the hard core hedonist, when smoked intensely, Sensi Star and some favored music will have you and your walls breathing with the beat. But the rest of us don't have to go there to enjoy its range of offerings.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Recommended Users: Almost anyone, except those who demand a strong body stone.

Recommended Method: Vaporize for crisp, tangy flavors and relaxation. Blunt for tingly tongues and a ride inside (However you want to interpret that).

Carrier: Not Listed

Price: $16.6667(g) ($60 eighth at 3.6g)

Date Enjoyed: 1/12/2010