By @Medsforheads

It seems nearly every grower has run some member of the Gelato family, and Nature’s Grace and Wellness has hitched its family farm wagon to a new strain for Illinoisans: Stracciatella Gelato #2.

Italian for “chocolate chip,” a mouthful in any language, Stracciatella Gelato #2 is an indica-dominant cross of Gelato 45 and French Toast (Paris OG x Face Off Bx2). Compared to more popular Gelato phenotypes like the fruity #33 (a.k.a. Larry Bird) and the icy #41, #45 has been reputed to exhibit greater THC production and a sweet, creamy taste. In both aroma and flavor, the strain’s OG-heavy parent added earthy notes that created a distinctly chocolaty Oreo cookie palate.

ILNJ photo

Rolled in joints, the Stracciatella Gelato #2 burned clean, permitting voluminous hits that coated my mouth with its simple, yet rich, childhood-recalling cocoa taste. An abundance of beta-caryophyllene immediately went to work suppressing inflammation, for which I was grateful after a workout or a long shift on my feet.

Myrcene and limonene also were evident from the smell of the fairly leafy buds, as well as from the relaxing, mildly mood-enhancing effects that set in quickly and peaked about twenty minutes after consuming. The dreamy, lulling high lasted not much longer than an hour each time for me, offering a transitional window from “go mode” to “slow mode” that didn’t dictate the rest of my time awake. Testing at only 17.17% THCa, this eighth would hit the spot for those seeking a tranquil buzz, not a knockout.

ILNJ photo

What Stracciatella lacked in vibrant coloration and bag appeal, its fluffy, pliable nugs made up for in cure quality and smooth smoke, having retained a more ideal balance of moisture and dryness that has historically leaned the latter direction for the smaller cultivator. Aiding its case was the fact that it had only been packaged about two weeks prior to my sampling and appeared fairly fresh.

While I’ve been a fan of NGW’s quirky edibles, silky topicals and some strains from their Graffiti line, I’ve observed a push in their overall flower quality that still remains true to the company’s few-frills medicinal approach.

For more Illinois News Joint reviews, click here.

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.