The first “good weed” I ever tried was Strawberry Cough, and I’m consistently confused by the lack of genetics on the Illinois market with this classic terpene profile. The Botanist is filling this gap with Strawberry Bubbles #5, one of the new strains dropping as part of the label’s rebrand. I picked up a sample to see if it takes me back to my first premium experience.

Strawberry Bubbles #5 is a hybrid cross of Mimosa and Strawberry Guava, bred by Bloom Seed Co. This batch of flower tested at 0.36% THC, 24.69% THCa, and 25.98% total cannabinoids. The indicated terpenes were limonene at 0.72%, ocimene at 0.62%, and b-caryophyllene at 0.48%.

ILNJ photos

Popcorn-sized turf-green flowers carried very thick fire-orange hairs and a close enough trim job that no sugar leaf remained. Glistening concentrations of milky trichomes at the creases caught my eye, but the overall trichome character was light. The buds were tightly dried and broke down with a crispness but came out of the grinder with a redeeming fluff.

Unripe strawberries, pineapple, fresh mango, coriander, and pine notes created a sweet and tangy aroma inside the package. The unripe strawberry, coriander, and pine notes carried through to the palate, but some of the complexity was lost in the transition. The flower burned with a small amount of harshness on the back of the throat.

A boost of energy opened the experience, closely followed by a euphoric sensation inside my core. As my energy levels increased, my focus decreased, and it took some real effort to keep me on track. After this energetic peak had passed a real sense of mental clarity opened and a calm relaxation overtook my head and body. This clean finish made Strawberry Bubbles a good choice to open the day or as a lunch break option.

ILNJ photos

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