I started the “Thirty % Plus THC” reviews as somewhat of a tongue-and-cheek series to show how far THC levels have increased in the last decade. Since then, I’ve been weedsplained to a few times about how THC levels mean nothing and that I am ruining Illinois weed by perpetuating the chasing of higher THC levels instead of terpenes. I’ve also been told Illinois cultivators have flawed measurement techniques or are intentionally falsifying THC levels on labels. So when BEYOND/HELLO Dispensary in Bloomington-Normal listed Gelato by Verano with total THC level of 37.462%, of course I had to review it.

The thing about these “Thirty % Plus THC” reviews is that not one of the strains in this series is lacking quality levels or combinations of terpenes. Gelato, a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, has a strong genetic history of quality aroma, flavor, and high. The light green buds are filled with dark orange pistils and blue and purple colors. No matter what THC level, this indica-leaning hybrid delivers.

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Gelato’s nerolidol terpene delivers a sweet, floral, and citrus smell and reportedly enhances the entire plant’s “entourage effect” (which is when compounds interact synergistically to magnify the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components to become greater than the sum of its parts). The limonene leads with a sweet citrus aroma and taste, and the combination of myrcene and humulene gives it earthy, woody, and musky undertones. Especially when split open, the bud provides deeper notes of lavender and berries. The taste is strong enough to linger, where I have reminder aftertastes an hour or more later.

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Even without the dynamic flavor and aroma, Gelato’s high alone would be worth sampling the strain. The onset is almost immediate with an uplifting, euphoric, and cerebral head high. Even with the potency of an indica-leaning buzz, I’m able to keep my focus on a project or subject matter better than expected, so I changed medicating with the strain from night to evening.

Though there is no creep to the head high, the body buzz slowly rolls in as the buzz nears its peak, leaving me tranquil but not couchlocked. My muscles are relaxed with a floating feeling, probably from Gelato’s caryophyllene and myrcene terpenes. After a few doses, the high will slip into some tiredness at the end of the buzz, which allows me to sleep well nights of heavily medicating.

For more “Thirty % Plus THC” reviews, click here.

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