One benefit of the new craft grow licensees finally coming online is the addition of new and intriguing genetics to state menus. Oregonix Northern Heights label’s first flower drop is full of new-to-me genetics, so I stopped into nuEra Champaign to pick up a few samples from the craft grow starting with Strawberry Gary.

Strawberry Gary is a hybrid cross of Gary Payton and Red Pop, originally bred by Exotic Genetix. This batch of flower tested at 0.07% CBG, 0.36% CBCa, 1.19% CBGa, 0.31% Delta 9 THC, 29.75% THCa, and 31.67% total cannabinoids. Terpenes were 2.03% of the total weight with β-caryophyllene, limonene, and α-pinene being the heaviest.

ILNJ photos

One thumb-sized cola and four small-popcorn buds carried a deep forest-green base tone beneath a smattering of curled in deep-royal-purple sugar leaves, rust-colored hairs, and a sparkling trichome frost that lightened the entire color profile. The buds were dense and even the ground flower left a stickiness on the tips of my fingers.

Light and sweet on the top of the aroma, notes of fresh strawberry, peach, magnolia, cherry blossom, and heavy cream created a complex but delicate profile that inspired repeated olfactory explorations. The smoke was smooth and delivered a robust flavor without being harsh. The strawberry, peach, and cream notes came through clearly followed by a savory cheesy tone that added a richness to the flavor that wasn’t present in the aroma.

Strawberry Gary was a slow build, ramping up to the full effect profile more than a half-an-hour after smoking. My headspace and awareness opened, and I became more relaxed and receptive. Normal worries and anxieties seemed to disappear as my focus peaked, and my energy seemed to level out.

ILNJ photos

The physical profile was slightly euphoric during the first 15-minutes of the experience with light tingles running outward from my spine before tapering off. With a complex flavor and an anytime experiential profile, Strawberry Gary was a strong first showing from Northern Heights. For more Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

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