(samples pictured above are from Beyond Broadway and are sold there as “D.I.A.” — this strain was also seed in February 2012′s KUSH Magazine Strain of the Month feature by KindReviews.com)

CALI CONNECTION BUBBA BX2 STRAIN INFORMATION

General Information

Type:  Indica-dominant hybrid

Genetics:  Pre-’98 Bubba Kush BX2

Geographic Origin:  California, USA

Seed Company/Clone:  Cali Connection seed release

Description:  A special seed release for the 2010 High Times Amsterdam Cannabis Cup (it was planned as their Indica entry, but there weren’t enough dried buds around before the competition to enter officially), this pet project of lead breeder Swerve came about in an attempt to re-create the clone-only legend Bubba Kush in seed form.  An unknown male (possibly Swerve’s SFV OG Kush F3 which he used for many breeding projects) was used in this double backcross, first pollinating on the mother to create seed, then another male from that population going back to the Bubba mother once more to reinforce her traits.  The resulting plant grows much like the Bubba mom, but some variation in structure (some phenos will have long, slender nugs which is unusual for Bubba) is to be expected.  However, the majority of nugs are the stereoptypical Bubba pine cone/golf ball shape with large calyxes and that signature purple-gray coloration coming on as harvest approaches.

History

Story:  Swerve planned this as his 2010 Indica entry for the Amsterdam Cup but was not able to get the nugs ready in time for the festival, so he simply did a special seed release instead.

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  8 to 9 weeks

Preferred Growing Medium:  Production growers will find that this strain can produce reasonably well in hydro and coco setups.  However, the best flavor normally comes out in a soil grow using light fertilization regimes — the old-school feeding preferences of the original Bubba are intact here, and that means steady but relatively light feedings.  If a better yield is desired, the plants can be effectively SCROG’d, producing a collection of fairly large rock-hard pine cone tops instead of a slightly larger central cola.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  Deep coloration that looks almost gray from a distance is this strain’s trademark, and the deep Bubba roots are seen clearly in all aspects of appearance other than the more slender, elongated nug shape which appears in certain phenotypes.  Trichome coverage is excellent, and it appears that this strain would make some high-yielding and quality extracts, judging from the copious amount of trichomes all over the leaf surfaces.

Scent:  A creamy, slightly sweet coffee-kissed aroma with a herby edge is the primary one while the strain sits undisturbed in a bag or jar.  However, when it’s ground up, the coffee/chocolate comes out a lot more, as does the musky, herby, hashy backnote which recalls the strain’s deeply Afghani/Pakistani origins.

Flavor:  Losing some of the sweet qualities from the aroma, the flavor is mostly musky and hashy, with a lingering note of coffee.  Its smoke is moderately thick and moderately expansive, neither sending the patient into coughing fits nor hitting the throat without impact.

Effects:  Taking a few minutes to really kick in, the effects felt predominantly Indica in nature, providing a warming body sensation and pulsing waves which radiated throughout the lower extremities, arms, and torso.  A slowdown of mental activity accompanied by an overall feeling of ease and contentedness overtakes the user after about 15 minutes, leading to a placid, happy, experience that’s very smooth in nature.  The eyes get slightly heavy at times (even early on), but the effect never really becomes a “daywrecker” to the point where it makes the user fall asleep when they wouldn’t otherwise or makes the mind cloudy to the point of losing functionality.  Bubba BX2 helps with both mental and physical relaxation, specifically muscles, but it does so without clouding the mind.  It also aids with minor pain relief, appetite stimulation, and has definite anti-anxiety properties.  Medicinal-level effects last around 1.5 to 2 hours, while the overall effects linger out to nearly 3 hours.

Mob Boss (ChemDawg D-dominant phenotype)

Mob Boss (Tang Tang-dominant phenotype)

Mob Boss Medical Marijuana Strain Profile

General Information

Type:  Hybrid

Genetics:  ChemDawg D x Tang Tang males

Geographic Origin:  California, USA

Seed Company/Clone:  Grindhouse Medical Seeds

Description:  A super-frosty Sativa-leaning hybrid, Mob Boss combines the notoriously hard-hitting Chem D with Grindhouse’s own Tang Tang male, which is a Sativa selection from Breeder Steve’s Blockhead known for imparting incredible resin coverage to anything it touches.  The photos above showcase both the Tang Tang-dominant phenotype of the plants as well as a Chem D-dominant one.

History

Story:  Among many aficionados, Chem D is believed to be the best of the ChemDawg family tree, possessing both an incredible flavor as well as a head-knocking cerebral effect which pulls even the highest-tolerance patients deeply into their couch (it yields better than the ’91 as well). Using this strain as the mother plant, Grindhouse’s chief breeder “Steele Savage” found the perfect match in a collection of Tang Tang males. This cross was released to the seed market in 2009, and these particular phenotypes were found in 2010 by Tierra Rojo.

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  60 to 70 days depending upon phenotype

Preferred Growing Medium:  The Tang Tang adds vigor and yield to the Chem D and branches well, making this a superb plant for SCROG methods, as it will produce large colas on well-trained side branches and continues growing more dense into the final week.  This plant seems to give the best combination of yield and quality when grown in a coco-based medium and fed heavily — the trichome production displayed from week 3 on is astounding and the Mob Boss tends to look like the “whitest” plant in almost any room due to the fan leaves being caked with densely-packed thin-headed trichomes.  The Tang Tang phenos will have more pointed colas while the Chem D will be more rounded and blocky at the tops.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  One of the most trichome-laden strains we’ve ever seen at KindReviews, Mob Boss (especially the Tang Tang-dominant phenotypes) is absolutely covered with trichomes, from fan leaf stems to the tip of the large colas.  This distinctive appearance and very stout density makes its “bag appeal” off the charts for most patients, eliciting “wow”s from all but the most jaded connoisseurs.  When growing, the different phenotypes will be readily-apparent due to their differences in smell, but the Tang Tang-dominant phenotypes will be taller and will have a stronger, pointed central cola while the Chem D phenos will chunk up a bit more but stay shorter with rounded-top colas.

Scent:  An herbal-citrus aroma is the predominant one before the strain is broken apart — the Tang Tang side of the family is not known for its scent. Once broken apart, it displays a hint of the sharpness from the Chem D, but is still largely vegetal and citrusy.  The Chem D-dominant phenotypes will have a much sharper aroma with elements of the notorious chemical-skunk-citrus funk of the mother, but the Tang Tang still tends to tone the whole  package down slightly from the original D.

Flavor:  Like the smell, it’s not the most pungent thing around, tasting of herbal citrus with hashy notes in the background and a thick, expansive smoke.  Again, the Chem D phenotypes have a more assertive flavor and a lingering aftertaste of chem.

Effects:  Thanks to the Tang Tang influence, this strain isn’t nearly as heavy or overtly potent as the ChemDawg D, which is a good thing for many patients who still like to be productive during their day.  The couchy yet cerebral D influence is still felt though, especially in the second half of the experience (most strongly in the Chem-dominant phenotypes).  The Tang Tang phenos tend to be very clear-headed and smoothly uplifting, feeling like a moderate Sativa — the different expressions of this plant definitely deliver different effect packages.  Despite its absolutely ridiculous appearance, Tierra Rojo refers to this strain as a bit of a “show pony” in that it doesn’t quite live up to the insane potency that the looks promise.  Still, it’s above-average in potency and delivers a balanced effect which aids with muscle relaxation, mood elevation, appetite stimulation, and often gives a boost of energy as well (Tang Tang plants especially).

(the samples and plants pictured above are all from Natural Remedies in Denver, CO)

DAWG’S WALTZ STRAIN INFORMATION

General Information

Type:  Indica-dominant hybrid

Genetics:  Purple Urkle x Tres Dawg (Chem D x [Chem D x Afghani])

Geographic Origin:  East Coast of the United States

Seed Company/Clone:  Limited seed release, but it’s mostly clone-only, with a few different select cuts floating around

Description:  Coming out of the breeding projects of a grower known as “High & Lonesome”, with the blessings of Top Dawg Seeds (the holders of Tres Dawg), this hybrid combines the legendary Purple Urkle clone with JJ-NYC’s fiercely potent Tres Dawg, which is essentially a Chem D backcross.  The Urkle imparts its signature coloration and some of its aroma and flavor, but the added sharp chemical kick of the Chem D makes everything more interesting than a standard “purple” and make this variety one of the strongest-smelling strains in almost any garden.  Also increased is the potency of the Urkle, making it much more sedative and hard-hitting cerebrally — this strain is best used in the evenings, as it can lead to sleep due to the deep relaxation and strong ocular effects is offers.

History

Story:  Bred by “High & Lonesome” (aka H&L), this strain is fairly new (circa 2009) and though it originated on the East Coast, it is quickly gaining a reputation for its potency and incredible smell through the medical marijuana dispensaries of Colorado and California.  The strain is named after a David Grisman song of the same name.  The so-called “Poodle Nuts” cut is the most prized and was selected and spread by a grower known as “forty”.

Awards:

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  54 – 60 days

Preferred Growing Medium:  Though it produces a moderate-to-large yield of rock-hard and large-calyxed buds, the Waltz also produces quite a lot of fan leaves, and fairly aggressive defoliation is suggested in order to maximize yield of lower bud sites.  The plant is a fairly heavy feeder, often requiring additional Cal-Mag through early flower.  It grows rather stout and bushy, with only a small stretch during flowering, mostly fattening up rather than growing upwards.  Taking it on the early side of the harvest window normally results in the best flavor and a more cerebral effect, while allowing some amber trichomes to develop puts this strain squarely on the Indica side of things effects-wise and seems to take some of the sweetness out of the flavor.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  Dark leaves and purple petioles lend an undoubtedly Indica appearance to the plant overall, and it will often finish completely purple depending upon nutrient regime and temperature.  Most often the finished buds are a robust medium green with bright orange pistils, with mottled purple tinges appearing commonly on the top nugs moreso than the lower buds.  Large, fat calyxes bristle with tall, medium-headed trichomes which pack the surface with a density in the upper echelon of strains.  The buds are most similar to Urkle buds in overall appearance, round and swelled-up with a moderate amount of leaves mixed in.

Scent:  One of the most pungent strains we’ve ever encountered, the very complex interplay of the Urkle’s grape-spice musk and the Tres Dawg’s hair-curling Chem-skunk funk will impress anyone who likes an aggressive aroma.  The plant when growing will stink more than 95% of strains and that translates to the final product as well — buds left untouched will exhibit a more soft Purple-tinged aroma, but as soon as they’re broken apart, it’s deep ChemDawg acridness and skunk-fuel all the way.

Flavor:  Falling just shy of the aroma in terms of overall pungency, the Waltz’s flavor matches the qualities of the smell perfectly, offering the same blend of fruity-spicy Purple sweetness and overwhelming Chemmy funk.

Effects:  If raw potency is what you desire, the Waltz will certainly scratch that itch, hitting hard immediately and not letting up for a solid 2 to 3 hours, even catching veteran users by surprise with its complete package of effects.  An immediate burst of warmth and pressure in the eyes and a fiercely vibrating body effect blends perfectly and helps the user relax but also fills them with a strange cerebral energy which is conducive to sedentary activities and projects as well as socialization.  The initial 30 minutes to 1 hour period of effects feel like a true hybrid, with just enough Sativa influence to keep the mind active and the mood high — however, the Indica side of things normally takes over past that point, making the mental state more pensive and relaxed and continuing the loose, massaged feeling throughout the body.

The early ocular pressure converts to a heaviness and the latter parts of the effects are definitely Indica in nature, which makes this a good choice for an after-dinner medicating session leading into a restful sleep.  Don’t remedicate with this one if sleep is the goal, as it has a tendency to shoot you right back up to peak potency, which isn’t the best for sleeping just because it’s so strong mentally.  Dawg’s Waltz is a strain for true connoisseurs and patients who appreciate high-level potency and aroma with an Indica-dominant, yet balanced effects package.  Major appetite stimulation, ocular effects, muscle and mental relaxation, digestive relief, and mood elevation are the main medical benefits of this strain.

(Ghost’s OG Kush x Blue Moonshine)

Indica-dominant hybrid

This sample is from Green Dream Health Services in Gunbarrel, CO — this particular phenotype selection from seed stock leans heavily towards the Ghost’s OG side of the spectrum.  Blue Moonshine adds an interesting musky sweetness to the zesty ginger-lemon OG flavor of the Ghost, and serves to thicken up the smoke as well as increase the heaviness of the effects.  This cross was originally made by Scott of Rare Dankness Seeds when he was operating Stone Mountain Wellness in Longmont, CO.

A light and floaty feeling throughout the head and body starts things off, feeling very Ghost-influenced at first, but some body heaviness creeps in later in the duration and grounds the experience a bit.  Ghost Moonshine is a very relaxing strain but is still somewhat “up” mentally, keeping the mood of the user elevated though steady.  The latter parts of the duration can have the user drifting off to sleep, so we recommend this strain primarily as an evening relaxation aid, perfect for an after dinner treat – it aids with muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, appetite, and relief of migraines.

(the samples pictured above are from Natural Remedies, Green Dream Health Services, Southwest Alternative Care, The Herbal Cure, and Nedicate – the BHO was made by Top Shelf Extracts for Green Dream Health Services)

GRAPE APE STRAIN PROFILE

General Information

Type:  Indica-dominant hybrid

Genetics:  Afghani x Skunk #1

Geographic Origin:  California, USA

Seed Company/Clone:  Apothecary Genetics

Description:  Possibly a sister phenotype of Granddaddy Purple and several of the other popular Purple strains that have floated around California for the better part of 15 years, Grape Ape is one of the most famous and beloved.  Its smooth and relatively clear-headed though narcotic effect distinguishes it from the often heavy-feeling Purple family and make it a more versatile choice for daytime use.  Its rock hard buds smell of sweet grape incense and turn a mottled to deep royal purple by the time it finishes flowering.

History

Story:  The exact origins of this strain are unclear, but Apothecary Genetics (the most common source of the strain over the last 10 years) claims it to be Afghani x Skunk #1.  There are a variety of Purple strains that share similar qualities, and many believe them to be different expressions of the same genetics, while others see some additional Sativa influence in the Ape that doesn’t exist in the GDP, Mendo Purps, and Purple Indica varieties.

Awards:

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  52 to 58 days

Preferred Growing Medium:  Grape Ape responds well to moderately heavy feeding and fourishes in both hydro or soil mediums.  The purple coloration comes out naturally but is encouraged by cooler temperatures.  It’s a plant of short stature and grows most commonly as a small low-lying bush, responding well to topping but not normally needing it.  Netting and other methods of keeping the canopy even will reward the grower with an even canopy of medium-sized but extremely dense flowers.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  There are a couple of different phenotypes of Grape Ape in existence — it’s unclear if some are S1 versions or simply mislabeled, but some phenotypes are completely purple and others (more commonly) are a mottled green and purple.  The entirely purple phenotype is often referred to as “True Grape Ape”, but both share a similar structure and deep orange pistil color.  Grape Ape has rather large calyxes with moderate to high trichome coverage — it’s not quite as frosty as its possible cousin GDP, but most people enjoy the flavor more.  The leaves are medium-wide and often turn from deep green to purple as flowering progresses.

Scent:  Grape Ape has a sweet but still musky scent which has strong notes of grape Kool-Aid with background hints of nag champa incense.  From a distance or through a bag, it often has a skunky element to it, but the sweetness and grape qualities really come out once its broken apart.

Flavor:  A fairly direct translation of the aroma, the flavor is the same mix of grape sweetness and musky incense notes, offering both a fairly strong initial flavor and a lingering aftertaste.  The smoke is normally thick and can often hit the throat somewhat hard like many Purple strains.

Effects:  Grape Ape starts off rather strongly, with a package of eye and facial effects which signal the start of a rather potent experience.  The early heady effects blend with a creeping body buzzing into a harmonious whole by 30-45 minutes, making Grape Ape feel like a true hybrid for the most part.  It’s a strain which is definitely relaxing but also uplifts the mood and at times provides a slight burst of energy to start, simply because it makes the user feel good.  As it progresses though, the more Indica side of the effects dominate and the mindstate becomes more sedate and meditative.  Muscle relaxation, light pain relief, mood elevation, anti-anxiety properties, and appetite stimulation are all parts of the Grape Ape experience, making it a favorite medical choice for patients seeking a middle-of-the-road Indica experience replete with flavor and bag appeal.

KindReviews:

Grape Ape Wax (BHO) – The Herbal Cure – August 2011

Grape Ape – The Herbal Cure – August 2011

Grape Ape – Urban Dispensary – March 2011

Grape Ape – Karmaceuticals – October 2010

Grape Ape – Nedicate – July 2010

Grape Ape – Broadway Wellness – May 2010

Grape Ape – Sweet Leaf Inc. – May 2010