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Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express Type: Hybrid, leaning on the sativa side Ancestry: A cross between Trainwreck and Hawaiian Creators: Barney’s Farm THC Content: 17.5% to 27.5%, with an average of around 24% Terpenes: caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, pinene, humulene Appearance: Olive-green buds, shaped like rocks, with bright orange pistils densely woven into them Aroma and Taste: Often likened to a fruit ball, this strain is a tropical delight, dominated by pineapple and mango and completed with beautiful citrus, green apple, and pine undertones. It has a very sweet and replete, yet fresh taste that tantalizes rather than overwhelms. Trivia: This strain’s place in history and pop culture was cemented by the iconic stoner movie, “Pineapple Express,” starring James France and Seth Rogen. However, it had actually been popular for a good few years in the Netherlands before the movie came out. Recreational Effects The aforementioned credentials are as big of a statement as you can get, and even though the type of highs we see in the eponymous movie are simply out of this world, Pineapple Express lives up to those credentials and then some. This strain is famous for uplifting the mood like a trampoline. The initial state is characterized by a surge of carefree, all-around joyous energy, accompanied by a desire to talk about seemingly anything. This mental buzz translates very well into creative endeavors, especially as the initial rush gradually fades into a milder, yet focused state of mind that has people feeling quite productive and engrossed into their activities. In that sense, it’s a great afternoon strain, a perfect hiking and beach buddy, and a safe bet to watch movies with as you drift into the later stages of the high. Medicinal Benefits While not its strongest trait, Pineapple Express’s medicinal benefits are still definitely there, especially on the mental side, as it provides a respite from stress, anxiety, depression, general apathy, and the likes. The munchies are strong with this one, so it can go a long way with people who suffer from a lack of appetite.

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Pinene (alpha/beta)

Pinene Pinene is a bicyclic monoterpene, a type of organic compound that is commonly found in the essential oils of many plants, particularly conifers and certain members of the citrus family. Pinene exists as two isomers, α-pinene and β-pinene, which are optically active and structurally distinct. Due to its unique aroma and various applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, pinene has been the subject of extensive research and commercial interest. I. Chemical Structure and Properties α-Pinene α-Pinene (C10H16) is the most abundant isomer of pinene, and it has a molecular weight of 136.24 g/mol. Its chemical structure includes a six-membered ring with an exocyclic double bond, as well as a four-membered ring fused to the six-membered ring. The presence of the four-membered ring gives α-pinene its distinct bicyclic structure. α-Pinene has a boiling point of 155-156°C and a melting point of -62°C. β-Pinene β-Pinene (C10H16) is the second isomer of pinene and shares the same molecular weight as α-pinene. It has a distinct chemical structure, with the double bond being endocyclic instead of exocyclic, resulting in different physical properties. The boiling point of β-pinene is 165-166°C, and its melting point is -54°C. II. Natural Sources and Extraction Pinene is primarily found in the essential oils of coniferous trees, such as pines, firs, and spruces. It is also present in the oils of several non-coniferous plants, including eucalyptus, rosemary, and citrus fruits. The extraction of pinene typically involves steam distillation or cold pressing of plant materials, with the resulting essential oils often containing a mixture of α-pinene and β-pinene, along with other monoterpenes. III. Applications Flavoring and Fragrance Pinene is widely used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages due to its characteristic pine-like aroma. It also finds applications in the fragrance industry for the production of perfumes, soaps, and other scented products. Pharmaceutical Industry Pinene exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These properties make it a valuable ingredient in traditional and modern medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as respiratory disorders and skin infections. Pinene has also been used as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases, as it has been shown to enhance memory and cognition in preclinical studies. Cosmetic Industry Pinene is used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-penetrating properties, which can help improve the overall effectiveness of skincare products. Solvents and Chemicals Both α-pinene and β-pinene are used as starting materials for the synthesis of a variety of chemicals, such as camphor, synthetic resins, and terpineol. They can also be employed as environmentally friendly solvents in various industrial processes. IV. Safety Pinene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in small amounts as a flavoring agent. However, high concentrations or prolonged exposure to pinene can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Proper handling and storage of pinene-containing products are essential to minimize potential risks. In conclusion, pinene is a versatile natural compound with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its unique aroma, biological properties, and potential for sustainable use make it a valuable resource for ongoing research

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Purple Haze

Purple Haze Type: 60:40 sativa:indica Ancestry: Purple Thai and Haze THC Content: 17-22% Terpenes: caryophyllene, humulene, myrcene Appearance: Classically sativa-like loose and fluffy buds with bushy leaves. Speaking of leaves, they are responsible for the “purple” in the strain’s name, making for a beautiful, vibrant contrast with the green hues and white trichome coating. Aroma and Taste: The aroma is a unique and balanced blend of sweet berries on the one side and earthiness and dankness on the other, the latter coming to the fore as you break the buds open, giving it all a nice kick, a sharp edginess. The flavor is more of the same, but with a hint of spiciness added to the mix. The smoke is smooth and easy on the throat. Trivia: The strain is named after Jimmi Hendrix’s iconic eponymous song. Recreational Effects Even though it is the strain that is named after the iconic Jimmi Hendrix’s song, you could easily imagine it being the other way around, especially if this was a sci-fi movie about time travel, in which Hendrix goes back to name the song after his previously unnamed muse. In other words, Purple Haze is an electrifying and borderline psychedelic blast that will make every moment feel like a movie scene – faithful, historic, full of color, nuance, wonder, and hidden meaning. Purple Haze is an explosive conversation starter, whether consumed in company or alone. At social gatherings, it can kickstart conversations that branch out like majestic trees without losing sight of their roots. This strain hits a sweet spot of associative thinking, focus, euphoria, and heightened sensory perceptions, and you’ll feel like this sweet spot contains the whole universe within it. More experienced users tend to take care of mundane chores in this Purple Haze, as it makes such activities more fun or turns them into simple motions you go through while your mind soars in some other realm, high above trivialities. But having a palpable indica side, Purple Haze doesn’t just stimulate the mind. In fact, it makes you strangely aware of your body and brings out a sense of oneness with it, which lends itself very nicely in the bedroom as well. The “comedown,” if you can even call it that, is ever so gradual, in fact, it can be so gradual that the effects don’t even wear off in time for you to go to sleep. Purple Haze is celebrated as a “wake and bake” strain and shouldn’t be consumed too soon before bedtime. Medicinal Benefits Purple Haze’s mentally uplifting and stimulating effects can help people who suffer from depression or have attention deficit disorders. The sense of wonder it promotes can pull users far and away from their anxious thoughts and worries, above everyday stress. This all-around purple invigoration can also energize and spur people to action who normally battle chronic fatigue and/or find themselves stuck in a rut. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Purple Haze helps alleviate inflammation and pain to an extent as well.

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Purple Urkle

Purple Urkle Strain Type: 80:20 indica:sativa Ancestry: Originating from the Emerald Triangle area in California, famous for their signature cannabis creations and the secrecy surrounding them, Purple Urkle’s genetic heritage isn’t a proven fact, but it’s believed to stem from either Mendocino Purps or Grandaddy Purple. THC Content: 17-26% Terpenes: pinene, myrcene, caryophyllene, humulene Appearance: True to its name, this is a purple beauty, a dark purple backdrop against which neon-green flowers, vibrant orange pistils, and white trichome frosting truly pop. Aroma and Taste: Often likened to the fruity pebbles cereal or grape soda, this is a berry delight with a touch of signature hashy skunkiness that gives it a nice, grassy kick. Trivia: Named after Steve Quincy Urkle, the most popular character on Family Matters, a sitcom that aired between 1989 and 1998. Recreational Effects Purple Urkle is basically a quintessential indica with just the right touch of sativa to give your mind a nice, little kick, like the perfect spice to an already tasty meal. This potent strain’s effects are palpable upon the first toke, and most people shouldn’t go beyond the second or maximum the third if they want anything else to remain palpable. Purple Urkle is like a warm wave of deep relaxation that washes over your entire body and spills over to the mind as well. Stress will become a concept as distant as Narnia, in fact, your sedated state of mind will probably be closer to the latter. Purple Urkle turns laziness into an art form. With that being said, this deep sense of peace doesn’t just stem from sweet lethargy, but also thoughtfulness. Purple Urkle can stimulate some introspection and provide an overarching sense of joy and even mild euphoria, akin to the feeling you get when someone cancels plans you weren’t exactly looking forward to and now you get to wallow in bed, living it up. The full-body high and relaxation can also make for a nice aphrodisiac. Medicinal Benefits Purple Urkle can be the off-switch to stress, anxiety, nagging thoughts, and compulsive behavior, including OCD. The high levels of THC and the deep body high provide strong pain and muscle soreness relief, making this strain a great post-workout option for athletes. Purple Urkle is also a big-time glutton, so it’s definitely worth a try for people who struggle with a lack of appetite. Last but certainly not least, this strain, especially in higher doses (granted that you can handle them without side-effects like paranoia or dizziness) can lull you to sleep like nothing else, so insomniacs, rejoice this night-time strain.

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