AK-47 x NL-5 (Happy Harvest)
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AK-47 x Northern Lights #5 Medical Marijuana Strain Review
From: The Happy Harvest
Grade: A-
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid, NL #5 [Afghani variety popularized by Neville Schoenmaker in the 90’s, the #5 is thought to be the only non-hybridized version of the strain, as it was never made available in seed form by the original breeders] x AK-47 [blend of Columbian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani genetics, from Serious Seeds], this cross may have come from Joey Weed Seeds, which sells a NL #5 x AK-47 in seed form.
Price: $50/8th
Appearance: (7/10) Covered in orange-brown pistils, this strain almost had a yellowish hue to it that made it look less appealing than it actually was from afar. It wasn’t exactly covered with tall visible trichs either, so this strain would probably fly a bit under the radar for most people. But upon magnification, its trich coverage and harvest timing becomes apparent, as there are about 25% ambered trichs that looked beautiful. The dryness and density of the sample also contributed to the average look, but made it burn great, so it was definitely a worthy trade. No real flaws to speak of, this strain was just average-looking but very well-grown nonetheless.
Aroma: (8/10) This strain unleashed a very unexpected blast of sweetness combined with a cocktail of spices, similar to what one would find in egg nog or mulled wine. A variety of smooth and sweet smells from cinnamon to cardamom was the dominant aroma. When it was ground up, it trended a bit more towards the standard citrus side with a vegetal sweetness, which when combined with the initial smell reminded one reviewer of candied orange peels. Though it won’t make you sneeze with its pungency, it was above-average in that regard and could be detected from a few feet away.
Taste: (6/10) With just a hint of the spices that permeated the aroma, this strain tasted mostly of a lightly sweet piney citrus with a bit of hashiness. The taste was a bit ethereal, as it seemed distinct and fairly strong but then disappeared as quickly as it came, leaving us struggling to describe it in detail. This strain gave us an incredibly smooth smoke that upgraded the overall taste score simply because it was such an easy and enjoyable smoke despite expanding quite a bit. Also evident here was the perfect flush and cure, as the sample burned down to a pristine white and fluffy ash… great job by the Happy Harvest crew on the flush.
Effects: Immediately after medicating, our reviewers found themselves in a quickly elevated mood and with a super heavy high behind the eyes that felt like they weighed 5 pounds each. A spacey head and vibrating body were also part of the package, putting our review team in a great mood where they wanted to be as social as possible or pursue creative endeavors. The body high seemed to move mostly to the feet/legs and filled them with a buzzing energy as it went on – our reviewers were pain-free during the review despite doing a variety of activities. This was a fairly superb hybrid high that hit on almost every desirable trait of an MMJ experience, with no anxiety, paranoia, or other negativity.
Duration: Long, 2.5-3 hours
Medicinal Traits: (We are NOT doctors – personal opinion ONLY) Mood elevation, anti-anxiety, ocular relief, mild pain relief, appetite stimulation, creativity.
Overall: While we weren’t all that excited by the also-ran nature of the strains that composed this hybrid, this sample really surprised us with its enjoyable experience, especially the effects. AK-47 used to be one of those elite strains that made everyone “ooh” audibly, but it has been knocked down a tier in the last few years with all the high-grade Kush and Diesel strains especially – this was a good reminder that it’s a strain to reckon with, as is the even older Northern Lights #5. It’s very clear why these strains were chosen as a hybrid – it provided a superb blend of hybrid effects that seemed to satisfy a little bit of everything while maintaining its power throughout the duration. Its smell was extremely unique but unfortunately that didn’t translate to the taste, which was only average. Still though, this old-school blend would make almost anyone happy (literally, it was an instant mood enhancement) and would help patients greatly with almost any disorder that they may have except for very serious pain.
Indie Kush (Happy Harvest)
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Indie Kush Medical Marijuana Strain Review
From: Happy Harvest
Grade: A
Type: Hybrid [Believed to be a Hindu Kush marketed under a different name]
Price: $50/8th
Appearance: (8/10) Dark green with very contrasting white mid ribs on leaves. The density and dryness were on the good side of average making this a very presentable sample.
Aroma: (8/10) Sweet berry kush was the dominant scent reported, with a very high pungency level and appeal.
Taste: (8/10) The most prolific flavors found were soil, pine, and “earthy”. It was a bit harsh, but not enough to keep someone away, and it had good expansion.
Effects: A short two minute delay led to a smooth relaxing heady state of sheer relief from a stressful day. One of the first reported effects was a butterfly/stomach feeling which was somewhat unusual for our team. Over the next 20 minutes this strain produced a strong rising effect leading to high level spacyness and distortion of equilibrium. A fun exciting ride was the dominant description, but we also found a lack of presentable functionality, temporary introversion, and avoiding human contact. Relief came for all after about the forty five minute mark and most were able to get back to the comfortable state the first ten minutes had offered.
Duration: Long, 2 – 2.5 hours.
Medicinal Traits: (We are NOT doctors – personal opinion ONLY) Moderate pain control. Not recommended for anxiety ridden patients or those prone to paranoia.
Overall: [Note from Editor] I was a bit surprised by this strain because though I found this sample to be visually appealing, it did not have such a fierce look to it overall, it was just pretty. I judged by the cover once again and once again I was wrong, this is not a beginner strain, and with its short delay I would recommend being patient to let the med do its work before trying to force an effect by increasing dosage. Don’t worry it’s coming.
Silver Coin (Happy Harvest)
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Silver Coin Medical Marijuana Strain Review
From: Happy Harvest
Grade: B+
Type: Sativa-dominant Hybrid, Super Silver Haze x Herojuana
Price: $50/8th
Appearance: (6/10) Our sample was plenty dry, dense and had good coloring with the deep red pistils. It did lack in trichome count but had a good 20-25% ambering of what it did have.
Aroma: (7/10) Acrid Haze scent, pungence doubles when crumbled or ground.
Taste: (4/10) Very slight pine, mostly smoke and poor after-taste from vaporizer. Bong and Incredibowl report same flavorless taste without the bad after-taste.
Effects: Immediate cerebral activites and auditory amplification typical of Haze strains. This is not a “stoney” feeling, but the mind is neither clear nor sharp for the first hour. Paranoia or self-consciousness could easily find themselves as a part of this strain’s effects in professional or high demand situations as you are very aware you are medicated. No body sensations to speak of out of this strain.
Duration: Long. 2.5 – 3 hours
Medicinal Use: (We are NOT doctors – personal opinion ONLY) Not for anxiety sufferers, this medicine concentrates in the eyes and may provide relief or assistance with occular issues. The body isn’t tense, but this strain doesn’t provide any insight as to how it may act for nerve or muscle ailments.
Overall: The Silver Coin is clearly a Haze, delivering a cerebral experience that isn’t stoney or psychadelic. It feels more like a wet blanket over your brain, or having your bell rung and removing the cobwebs. Though the first hour could induce paranoia, the second hour was very relaxing but not in an indica way. The Haze lets the brain slow and encourages relaxation whereas a strong indica forces you to “take a seat and feel better.” A solid middle-of-the-road marijuana strain.
Kushage (Happy Harvest)
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Kushage Medical Marijuana Strain Review
From: Happy Harvest
Grade: B+
Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid, OG Kush x S.A.G.E.
Price: $50/8th
Appearance: (8/10) Dark green, brown pistils, nice and dry and on the dense side of things. Trichs are on the amber side of the harvest [see heavy aspects of effects below].
Aroma: (6/10) Sweet soil and spice on the vanilla side.
Taste: (7/10) Sweet upon exhale, but the more familiar earthy pine going in.
Effects: A fairly quick hitter that encapsulates the eyes and rolls an intense wave down the body. The next hour is a mixture of mental spaciness and energy bursts, but the indica keeps the muscles loose and relaxed. Kushage has the sugar rush mentality though and the downturn is heavy and draining.
Duration: Medium. 1.5 – 2 hours
Medicinal Use: (We are NOT doctors – personal opinion ONLY) As with most strains, Kushage raised the heart rate immediately following ingestion, but different than many strains, Kushage only did so about 10 bps and for no more than 10 -15 minutes across our reviewer board. Blood pressure remained level throughout so this is recommended for anyone suffering heart or circulatory issues. Moderate pain management and even mental health/attitude benefits present.
Overall: Kushage is an interesting strain made from two excellent hybrids and both indica and sativa traits are present. The feeling of sativa is even more so than the genetics suggest but it doesn’t grip the body in the Diesel manner. Consider this a mixed-use medicine good for day or night as long as bedtime is an hour or more away.
Purple Maui (Happy Harvest)
Purple Maui Medical Marijuana Strain Review
From: Happy Harvest
Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Price: $50/8th
Grade: B+
Appearance: (8/10) Very nice fall colors associated with Maui, beautiful purple traits throughout the plant, and great trichome count and structure.
Aroma: (6/10) Nice scent but not that strong, the familiar Maui, soft pine hints.
Taste: (4/10) This sample was hashy and fairly harsh for Maui. A little tongue numbing upon exhale.
Effects: This is a fast acting medicine, making itself felt directly in the jaws and cheek bone areas of the face. Heart rate quickly jumped along with a very cerebral rush of energy. I found myself with sweaty palms and often repeating my last few words or sentences. Indica traits were felt in the neck and shoulder region via muscle relaxation.
Duration: Long. 2.5 + hours
Medicinal Use: (We are NOT doctors – peronal opinion ONLY) Sativa traits good for mood elevation, behavioral issues, mild pain relief, and head focused issues. Some mild muscle based problems – not a strong muscle relaxer.
Overall: The Purple Maui looked great and had very solid potency for the strain, maybe an A- strength to it. However, the after medicating effects were intense and I was extremely drained and tired, barely able to function with a list of chores to accomplish. We feel like a strain should provide the indica pain relief and relazing qualities if it leaves us with an indica like comatose situation after medicating. Other folks may find this to be a good hybrid choice, with this one leaning more towards the middle than most Maui (sativa) samples we’ve reviewed.
