Illinois 2023 cannabis products ‘Favorite Finds’
While I’ve been reviewing cannabis products on and off for more than 3 years, 2023 was the true Year One for me, the first year I took my reviewing “full time.” In the 11 months since I started as Chief Content Director for Illinois News Joint, I’ve reviewed more than 250 licensed Illinois cannabis products, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity that everyone involved has made possible. As we close out 2023, I wanted to take the time to reflect on a few of my favorite finds.
Favorite Vape
Vapes as a category receive the least attention from our review spotlight, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m a giant fan of the convenience they offer and almost always have one nearby. My favorite from the category was born from this year’s merger of Ieso and NuEra in the form of the new Interstate 420 Lime Skunk Muffins Sauce Cart.
“The flavor was dense with notes of lime zest, orange, garlic, oregano, light hints of skunk, and a creamy butter finish on the exhale. The lime note on the front end was the standout of the flavor profile and stuck with me even after I was done with my vape sesh.”
Favorite Edible(s)
I’m happy to report that I’ve eaten more edibles this year than any other year of my entire life. While I sampled what seems like a never-ending list of gummies, chocolates, and other infused treats, the few standouts were easy to pick.
Enliven’s new line of cereal bars were just the right combination of nostalgic flavors and 100mg packaging and quickly became a new favorite when I sampled the Fruity Flintstoned, Cinnamon Toast Munch, and Cookies and Cream flavors.
Revolution also stood out with the drop of single strain Live Rosin infused gummies that provided new depths on the experiential side with full spectrum solventless infusions and with interesting flavors, such as mimosa and lychee grapefruit. Honorable Mentions to Aeriz Hash Drops and the new Journeyman Shots, too!
Favorite Concentrate
Dabbers have arguably benefited the most during the last year as prices of concentrates have fallen and options have expanded to include more labels and solventless choices. My favorite concentrate this year has stuck with me ever since I reviewed it all the way back in mid-January. Bedford Grow’s Electric Lemonade Live Badder hit hard with its impressive 14.87% terpene number.
“The aroma was strong, reaching out across the room as soon as I opened the jar. Inside, the scent was sharp on the top end opening with lime, bergamot, grapefruit, and diesel. Underneath this, I found a complex combination of stainless steel and sharp cleaner notes (in the most pleasant way possible) with hints of fresh strawberries, hops, and cucumber on the finish.”
Favorite Flower
Flower dominated my reviews, representing almost a third of all the products I sampled this year. Even so, it was easy to remember the few choice strains I enjoyed the most.
Revolution’s Purple Monarch was an extremely flavorful portrait of the brand’s GDP genetics and easily one of my favorite indica strains of ‘23.
“highlights of petrol, artificial grape, lavender, and honeysuckle on the top end. Richer undertones of cream, soil, green pepper and garden basil added some complexity and broke through the floral character”
ISLAND Garlic Z was a revelation and a giant improvement from the 4Front team over earlier products. This high-testing Zkittlez cross stuck with me.
“The flavor turned the savory and sweet combination on its head with the sweet candy notes appearing first and the garlic, slate, and hops coming in on the finish. The blend of candy and garlic was unique and reminiscent of overripe melon.”
My final flower choice crossed my path only a couple months ago as part of The Botanist new rebranding and flower drop. The Botanist Strawberry Bubbles #5 treated me to a nostalgic picture of strawberry strains long gone and an energetic sativa-style buzz.
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