Zoap - Pleasant Effects
It’s been a good long while since I’ve had a batch of Zoap that was worth anything, so naturally my hype for another batch from Pleasant Effects was through the roof. Many previous batches of their Zoap had been specifically siloed off for the Fear and Zoaping drops with The Book Club, so it was an extra treat to get some down in my local market.
Apples & Bananas - Pleasant Effects
I’ve gone on record to say that I’m the biggest fan of Apples & Bananas in the world, and if there’s one I could smoke forever it would be Pleasant Effects’ version. This was one of the first strains I smoked from Pleasant Effects a couple of years ago, and while the planned final tour was a way for the strain to go out with a bang, I’m really glad it’s back.
Crunch Berries - Pleasant Effects
It’s not a secret that I’ve been pretty impressed with Funk House Farms’ work over the last year or so, and being honest I thought that streak might end with Death Star x Skunk Dog because the eye appeal is just not in the same league as Runtz or Black Maple. That is, at least on the outside of the nugs, which if they weren’t large, golf-ball dense and geode-esque on the innards, would be in scrungly territory.
Wedding Pie - Living Matter
Wedding Pie is something of a staple amongst Maine cultivators, and there are few who do it on this level. Heads from the western side of the country may be trired of this strain from the inundation of hash and flower coming from the Pyxy Styx cut. The Wedding Pie cut is generally attributed to Living Matter as the keeper of the flame, and at this point the cut has propagated quite far.
Permanent Marker - Funk House Farm
If you’ve been reading this column for a while, you’ve seen a lot of positive press from Funk House Farm, with the biggest reason being the quality, consistency and price of their products is hard to beat. While this herb is of the same quality and price I’d expect, the provenance of this cut of Permanent Market tarnishes the experience.
Cap Junky - Living Matter
It’s no secret that I have absolutely no love for Cap Junky, but Living Matter has always really impressed me with their products the few times I’ve tried them. A mutual friend told me the batches of Cap Junky and Wedding Pie were truly on another level this round after moving to a new facility. Wrapped in a dense supremely resinous dank kush package, this version of Cap Junky is one that I’m glad I didn’t miss.
Gummiez - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
Gummiez was a strain I first tried a few years ago when I believe Papermill Cannabis Co. tried his hand at growing it, and I remember enjoying the candy peach rings flavor to it. This version off of Shmu’s curation is quite different, starting with the cinnamon front note, but it retains a lot of the great effect features I love.
Kush Mints - Swell Cultivation
Kush Mints has been a favorite of mine since I tried it the first time about four years ago, so when I get to try an excellent version of it, it’s a real treat. Shmu got in this version from Swell Cultivation in Maine and even when it hit the menu before I saw it, my personal hype meter maxed out. For those unfamiliar with Kush Mints, it’s a hybrid between Bubba Kush and Animal Mints bred by Seed Junky Genetics. It’s a parent in a bunch of my favorite strains, Georgia Pie, Secret Cookies and Zushi to make a few.
Pure Michigan - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
The first time I tried Pure Michigan was the Pure Maryland cut from Flowerboy Gardens back in 2021, and at the time I was impressed by it, only to have progressively worse and worse batches over time. The hybrid is Mendobreath x Oreoz, and obviously I’ve pretty actively avoided this strain because I think it’s just not worth it and has no terps. This time though, I’m grateful the Shmu guys hit me with this version because it’s quite good.
Death Star x Skunk Dog - Funk House Farm
It’s not a secret that I’ve been pretty impressed with Funk House Farms’ work over the last year or so, and being honest I thought that streak might end with Death Star x Skunk Dog because the eye appeal is just not in the same league as Runtz or Black Maple. That is, at least on the outside of the nugs, which if they weren’t large, golf-ball dense and geode-esque on the innards, would be in scrungly territory.
Pineapple Whip - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
Pineapple Whip has been showing up on a few menus in the DC area over the last six months or so, and since the people absolutely freak over this strain, I never got to try it. Finally, it’s my turn in the queue and immediately I can see why everyone has been snagging this up expeditiously. The nugs are not the best eye appeal, but you can immediately see how resinous it is.
Chem D - Skunkfoot Farms
I’ve gone on record many times saying Chem D is my favorite of the Chemdog line, and it’s batches like this from Skunkfoot that confirm my bias time and time again. A lot of folks might pass up Chem D and its siblings because the whole offering is pretty one note, but I think a lot of folks forget that Chem D is the original one note genetic and in my opinion it does that trope best.
Runtz - Funk House Farm
If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, since back in the Gentleman Toker days, you know I’ve smoked a LOT of Runtz. Maybe too much Runtz. So it’s safe to say that when a good Runtz passes by my docket, I know what’s up, and lo and behold, this is that guy.
Gaslight - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
Over the last year or so we’ve gotten a handful of LIT Farms options on the budget section of Shmu’s menu, but Gaslight is probably the best one so far. Gaslight is a hybrid if RS11 x E85 and it’s similar to the original RS11 but with a bit more confectionary nose and flavor rather than the deep candy funk.
G.R.E.A.M. - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
G.R.E.A.M. is a hybrid of Lil Valley OG and the aforementioned WUG, with the OG seemingly a cut of OG from Washington. It’s similar to things like TK41 or Gushers in that it’s candy over confectionary gas in the aroma and flavor. The nugs are large and dense and the sample came solidly fresh, which translates well to a smooth smoking experience.
Chem 91 x TK - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
Chem 91 x TK is something gas lovers will salivate over while the odor burns in the nostrils, and the pungency is directly correlated with the outright potency. Even smaller doses of this cultivar is enough for a noticeable head change but regular doses are bound to leave even serious smokers heavy eyed and brain-fried.
Moonbow - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
One major complaint a lot of folks have about original Z is that it doesn’t really have a lot of power and that is clearly not the case with this Moonbow. The potency is punishing and much more sedative than the average Zkittlez. It’s no secret I’m a bonafide Z lover, but generally I’ve found it tough to find affordable Z hybrids, and this checks a lot of those boxes
Açaí Berry Gelato 49 - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
If you’re familiar with the story of Gelato, you remember that there are about six cuts of them floating around. 33 and 41 are the most popular today, but the others are still unique and interesting in their own rite. Açaí Berry Gelato is the #49 cut, and it’s certainly earned its name. Of all the original cuts, it’s probably the least gassy but definitely the most crushed berry forward and flavor coating fruity.
Gas Face - Shmu the Canna Prophet house curation
You may be reading this and thinking “dang there have been a lot of Shmu menu items on review lately” but the reason for that is because value for money especially at the oz rate, the listings are super competitive and there’s a great variety. Gas Face is a great example of this. The nugs presented are massive and swollen just the way I appreciate, but what really got me is the flavor.
Head Hunter - New Horizons
It’s on record somewhere on this site that I’m a big fan of Gush Mints, probably more than the original Gushers at this point. In general, Purple City tend to be reliably enjoyable for me, so naturally seeing Legend OG x Gush Mints from Head Hunter, I had to try it off Shmu’s menu. Lucky for me this surpassed my expectations.