Cannabis Holiday Buyer’s Guide

Note: Much of the information contained herein was acquired secondhand from an anonymous source who carries a fully certified medical license to use marijuana.

Everyone with a little bit of medically induced bud-love in their life is going to need a veritable arsenal of tools and gadgets to optimize their experience. It’s not the healthiest of habits, but for some, it’s the most effective form of medical treatment available. So why not do it with maximum efficiency?

Chris Calderon from Kind Connection, a smoke shop on Thayer Street, explained to me that vaporizers are hugely popular right now. It’s a much healthier alternative to traditional smoking methods; there’s no combustion involved as the heat extracts the chemical compounds that cause marijuana’s effects. Particularly with the recent release of the PAX 2 vaporizer on November 12, portable vaporizers are no doubt going to be a hot ticket item this holiday season at all the local smoke shops. Hit up Amazing Superstore’s Thanksgiving weekend for a great deal on the PAX 1s.

When it comes to glassware, Kind Connection is a solid option for pipes, both local and otherwise. Greenside Up Gallery, also on Thayer Street, has some great artisanal options for those looking for some artistic representation in their smokeware. Similarly, BD Glassworks in Warren is one of the best sources around that focuses strictly on glassware. No two pipes are the same, so especially if you reach for something unique, or even higher end, you can’t go wrong with them as a gift.

Most stores will sell a number of very handy smaller items that are all but essential to any glass-wielding individual: stainless steel pipe screens and good ol’ pipe cleaners are cheap buys that are useful for keeping glassware clean. For those who prefer to roll their own left-handed cigarettes, look for flavored papers for some added flair.

Strains: When it comes to finding the right strain for you or the principal gift-receiver in your life, it can oftentimes be a lot harder than finding a specific favorite wine, beer or liquor. Alcohol will give you different kinds of buzzes (and varying types of drunk with a wide array of potential hangovers – but nothing is worse than New Year’s Day champagne headaches). Cannabis strains are no different. No two people will have the same reaction to a strain. Specific blends can be ideal for treating certain ailments, or generally just helping with mood or energy, or even appetite and nausea. These can be prescribed depending on what the user is looking for, but it can be a real puff in the dark when starting out to find what’s best for you and what’s going to suit your personality.

All of modern marijuana is defined by two base parent species – sativas and indicas – and an endless array of inter- and cross-breeds. Though some researchers claim that there is little chemical difference between sativa and indicas, copious amounts of anecdotal “research” says otherwise. Sativas are typically the more energetic, uplifting and cerebral options for those looking to stay alert and awake while still benefiting from the effects. The only real drawback is that they can heighten or even create feelings of anxiety. Indicas are the more relaxing variant, preferred by those with strong chronic pain or insomnia who come to enjoy the sedative quality of the bud. You might say that sativas go for your head and indicas go for your whole body.

All that being said, here are some micro-reviews for some of the strains available currently at some of the local dispensaries for card-carrying members:

Thomas C. Compassion Center in PVD
The high levels of THC in the Girl Scout Cookies strain is award-winning. It’s also a 60/40 indica/sativa hybrid with a lean toward a euphoric, cerebral experience and a deep-rooted sugary scent. Ideal for curbing nausea and rejuvenating appetite, it doubles as one of the top pain relievers. This is a great one for stress relief, mainly because there are few strains out there that will induce as much glee as this one.

Super Silver Haze is primarily a sativa with a 70/30 spread. The buzz is a long-lasting and uplifting body high with a sweet and fruity scent. Though it’s great for stress, it’s also bound to induce more mouth dryness than your average experience.

Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center in Portsmouth
Black Jack has high THC levels along with uber-levels of relaxation. Woodsy and complex, the flavor has a lot of grit to it. Though very good for treating stress and depression, it’s not too shabby with handling pain either. Watch out for the dry eyes! It’s the offspring of the Black Domina and Jack Herer strains and is close to an even hybrid.
At 75/25 sativa/indica, Harlequin is a mix of three sativa parents and as a result, has arguably one of the most full-bodied, earthy flavors that exists. Relaxing and uplifting, this one is highly recommended for those suffering from intense pain and in need of a respite.

Summit Medical Compassion Center in Warwick
Gorilla Glue #4: 60% indica and 40% sativa, this one will drive you bananas. Just kidding! But it does trigger some nerve tingling, which could stress out those predisposed to anxiety. If that doesn’t negatively impact you, then you could stand to enjoy a quick-hitting body high. The bud has a chunky, crystallized look.
White Siberian, known for being high in CBD content at 70% indica, is arguably one of the best around for treating arthritis and extreme pain. Like many of the buds on this list, this one offers an earthy scent but with a sweet and flowery finish. The buzz produced is very crisp and clear, with some partakers enjoying tingling sensations.