LAMB'S BREAD
Jamaica has long been known for sativa-dominant cultivars grown up in the hills under full sunshine. These long-flowering strains, bred and acclimated over years in an ideal climate and rich fertile soil, produce a legendarily euphoric buzz. And among the Rastafarians who smoke for religious purposes as well as savvy travelers looking for a unique and inspirational high, Lamb’s Bread represents the finest of the finest herbs available on the island.
The strain is sometimes erroneously referred to as “Lamb’s Breath” but the Rastas actually named it in honor of Jesus (The Lamb) declaring himself “the bread of life” in the Bible. It’s easy to mistake the Patios pronunciation of “bread” and “breath” but the growers who still cultivate the strain decades later will be happy to tell you the true name’s origins over a session with the chalice or a spliff or two. To them, this spiritual strain represents the healing energy of Jah’s blessings. Rastafari!
Those lucky enough to get their hands on the real Lamb’s Bread will be greeted by bright green spear-tip-shaped buds covered in radiant orange hairs. The initial scent is earthy and spicy with notes of anise and sandalwood. Only upon grinding does the “sweet cheese” odor of one dominant terpene - B-Caryophyllene - emerge.
In the old days we called strains like this “Creeper”. It doesn't hit hard right off the bat like a Kush, Chem or Diesel. Instead, the buzz rises up slowly, taking its time to reach full effect, but also has no ceiling - meaning you can puff this stuff all day and keep getting more lifted!
As I lit up a joint of Lamb’s Bread, I felt that classic euphoric sativa rush and tasted the unique cheesy flavor. Any worries I had were immediately released and my thoughts turned to fun activities. I took a nice brisk walk with the headphones blaring some classic old-school reggae and It was hard to hide or contain my joy as my “permagrin” had me cheesin’ ‘til my cheeks hurt. Passersby couldn’t help but smile seeing my blissful irie vibe.
Anyone suffering from stress, anxiety or depression should give Lamb’s Bread a try for something uplifting without the paranoia of some sativas. It’s also a great choice for creatives looking for the motivation and energy to come up with new ideas and complete tasks.
DOUBLE KRUSH
In 1991, a young Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski bought an ounce of buds on Grateful Dead Tour Lot in Deer Park, Indiana from Joe B and Pbud. The dozen or so seeds from that bag became the basis of the Chem family of strains including Chem D, Chem’s Sister, Super Snowdog and the best of the bunch in many aficionado’s opinions - Chem 91.
The ‘91 became the true one-hit wonder of the time, raved about by connoisseurs in-the-know and the few lucky growers that got one of the highly sought-after clones. The unique cannabinoid and terpene profile and sheer potency couldn’t be contained and the strain went on to become the parent of many popular modern poly-hybrids. More diesel than Diesel and more kushy than Kush, the Chem 91 may be the gassiest cut on Earth.
So it’s no wonder that a cross of the original Chem 91 with Chem Krush would result in the potent indica-dominant hybrid known as Double Krush. The addition of San Fernando Valley Kush genetics only adds to the overwhelming petroleum fuel and Pine-Sol funk. Keep the jar sealed until you want the entire room smelling unmistakingly pungent. The taste is similarly strong - almost mentholated - with a hashy and greasy exhale that lingers on the tongue.
As I fired up a joint, the classic “ring of oil” appeared just beyond the burning ember. I marveled at the wispy white ash, which indicates properly grown weed that isn’t overfed with excess nutrients. But the most impressive part of the Double Krush smoking experience was the high - a blast to the body and the brain that hits hard and quick. After just a few pulls, beads of sweat appeared on my forehead and I put the joint down in the ashtray until I could compose myself and go back for round two.
Indeed, the effects upon smoking Double Krush are immediate and undeniable. Medical patients seeking relief from body pains or those suffering from insomnia will benefit from the quick onset and alleviation of tension and stress. Anyone looking to end their day with a strong, relaxing and flavorful bouquet of fuel goodness needs to add Double Krush to their repertoire and start “Krushing”.
MIMOSA
Purple Punch is a longtime Northern California staple - a cross of Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple that’s a sweet and dark indica-dominant fruit bomb that looks and tastes amazing. Clementine is a citrusy strain more on the sativa side of things that was created by breeding together the genetics of Lemon Skunk and Tangie. The combination of the sugary candy of Purple Punch matched with the tart and tangy Clementine blends together into the tropical fruit blast of flavor and energy known as Mimosa.
Open up a jar and behold the round dark-green and lavender nuggets of Mimosa glistening with frosty white trichomes. A gentle squeeze between the fingers reveals the strong scent of orange peels and ripe grapefruit. The first hit tastes like biting into a juicy tangerine with a mouthful of sour Lemonheads if that makes any sense lol.
Like its namesake brunch cocktail, Mimosa provides a fizzy and uplifting start to the morning. Medicinal uses include treatment of stress and depression and the dominant terpene, Limonene, is also anecdotally known for mood enhancement and reducing inflammation. People suffering from social anxiety and PTSD also report positive effects without unwanted jitteriness.
This weed is made for the “wake and bake”, with a happy and clear high that keeps you centered and focused - perfect for daytime activities like visiting a museum, taking a nice walk in the park or giggling at inside jokes with friends. So start your day with this electric lemony-orange sativa-dominant hybrid for a bubbly beginning to an adventure or two. Cheers!
About the Author
Danny “Danko” Vinkovetsky is a cannabis editor, writer, and photographer who was the senior cultivation editor of High Times Magazine and worked there for 18 years (2002-2020). He personally selected High Times' annual Top 10 Strains of the Year from 2005 to 2018 and created and founded the High Times Seed Bank Hall of Fame in 2007. He has judged more Cannabis Cups than anyone else on the planet.