Continuing with my purposeful choice to sample more strains outside my personal preferences, I picked up another strain with “notes” of “chocolate” because I’m trying to better understand why almost every other smoker seems to love the chocolate, nutty, and coffee flavors, while I’m either agnostics or indifferent. So while at Curaleaf Mokena, I picked up an eighth of Royal Platinum by Grassroots.

Royal Platinum is an indica-leaning hybrid cross of Royal Kush and Platinum. This batch tested at 20.93% THCa, 0.49% THC, and 24.48% total cannabinoids. The eight came as several thumb-tip sized nugs. The colors in the spade-shaped buds gave the eighth bag appeal with dark purple, olive greens, and black contrasted against and abundance of rusty pistils and long creamy trichomes.

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The aroma hit with hashy hops and coffee, along with notes of sandalwood, earthy pine, and sweet nuttiness. The flavor was a bit more diverse and definitely outside my normal preference of fruit, citrus, and diesel.

On the inhale, Royal Platinum hit first with a heavy nutty hash flavor that quickly mixed with notes of vanilla cream coffee and tea. The exhale delivered a heavier sweet kush, coffee, and vanilla funk on the front end with notes of nutty hash, citrus, pepper, brown sugar, and sour pine on the back end.

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Royal Platinum effects landed with a traditional indica-leaning hybrid. Though a little upbeat for the first half of the buzz, the head high also delivered a soothing, mellow, and relaxing effect that worked well for distressing at night while watching television or gaming.

With higher doses, Royal Platinum caused some thought wondering but overall, the head high was clearheaded enough to where I could finish work late at night. Late in the buzz, the clear thoughts started to wane and gave in to a more sedative mindset. Royal Platinum also boosted my appetite toward the end of the high.

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The body-buzz onset hit quickly for me and started in the extremities and worked its way inward. Once the full body buzz settled in, the effects started leaning more toward the indica side. I relaxed comfortably in my recliner without much inspiration to move, but when needed, I wasn’t locked to the chair.

Overall, I used Royal Platinum late evenings or at night to relax and wind down from the day’s work. The flavor profile was not my normal preference, but I really enjoyed the diversity of different flavors packed into one strain.

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I’ve also been enjoying going out of my preference and comfort zone to try flavor profiles I normally wouldn’t. One unexpected benefit I’ve notice was that when I do switch back to my favorite flavors, the profiles are more pronounced and heightened. For more Illinois News Joint reviews, click here.

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FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

Effects & Medical Attributes are based on anecdotal evidence. Individual experiences can be varied.