This Puzzled Life is a mental health and recovery blog exploring addiction, trauma healing, LGBTQ experiences, humor, and the strange moments that shape us.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Welcome again! Today, I want to review a strain known as Polar Plunge. I thought that while we are in a cooler season of the year, I would pick one to reflect that.
Polar Plunge is an interesting strain. Parent strains are a cross between Early Riser x Ice Box Pie. Early Riser is a 50/50 hybrid. However, the exact lineage is unknown. Ice Box Pie is a 70/30 indica-dominant hybrid. The genetics are a cross between Wedding Cake x Freeworld Chem. This strain has a little more sativa than what I like. However, it’s not too much to induce anxiety. Thank you, indicas.
Patients report relief from depression, nausea, stress, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and pain relief. This strain would be a good one for lunch break. It feels like a good balance. If you are sensitive to sativas, make sure and use in moderation. The terpene profile for these strains are B-Caryophyllene, a-Humulene, B-Myrcene. THC percentage is about mid-range. Thanks for reading. Keep blazin’.
“A marijuana high can enhance core human mental abilities.”
-Sebastian Marincolo
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to talk to you about a strain called Jelly Breath. And thinking about warm toast with butter and jelly goes perfectly with this one.
The strain Jelly Breath is an indica-dominant hybrid. The genetics are a cross between Mendo Breath x Do-si-do. Now let’s break this down and talk about this strains heritage. Mendo Breath is an indica strain made by crossing OGKB x Mendo Montage. Sounds like dankness to me. And Do-si-do is a cross between OGKB (OG Kush Breath is a Girl Scout Cookies phenotype) x Face Off OG. I don’t know about you, but if a strain has GSC in the lineage, it’s bound to be good.
There is a lot of indica in this strain. Medical benefits provide relief from insomnia, depression, and muscle spasms. And I will agree 100%! The taste is earthy, fruity, and sweet. The major terpenes in this strain are trans-Caryophyllene, Limonene and Linalool. This is considered a top in hybrids for me. Because it gives you just enough “get-up-and-go” to satisfy any smoker without the worry about an anxiety provoking sativa overload. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’
Affirmation: Being a stoner has taught me that I can problem solve, build new things and give old things new life.
“Real happiness is cheap enough, yet how dearly we pay for its counterfeit.”
-Hosea Ballou
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about the dangers of fake cannabis vape carts. Most people do not know how to spot the differences. Many parents give their kids money or go personally and buy these vapes. This can be a very costly and even deadly mistake. Even though it is widely accepted for vaping, not all vapes are regulated for safety.
What are fake vapes? They are unregulated, counterfeit products that pose very serious health risks due to unknown and harmful ingredients. They lack safety testing and can contain dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or inaccurately labeled substances. There is very little, if any, quality control, and safety taken when creating these products (https://southbeachsmoke.com, 2025).
Here are just some of the chemicals and other cutting agents that are used to produce versus legitimate and controlled vapes.
· Vitamin E acetate: A thickening agent found in illicit THC cartridges strongly linked to 2019 EVALI outbreak which caused lung injuries associated with vaping. Thousands were hospitalized and dozens died.
· Pesticides: Lab tests on black market vapes have revealed pesticide levels of a thousand times higher than legal limits.
· Synthetic cannabinoids: Fake THC vapes contain unpredictable synthetic cannabinoids (like K2 or Spice) which have been linked to anxiety, paranoia, seizures, and psychosis.
· Fentanyl and other drugs: Vapes purchased from illicit sources have sometimes been found laced with lethal opioids like fentanyl which can lead to overdose and death.
· Formaldehyde: Some fake vapes have be found to contain levels of carcinogenic chemicals like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which are found in cigarette smoke.
· Industrial solvents: Other harmful cutting agents like medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil and propylene glycol, can become toxic when inhaled.
· Toxic leaching: heating elements and coils of these devices can leach heavy metal like lead, nickel, and antimony into the vape liquid.
· Severe health effects: Inhaling heavy metals can cause neurological damage, respiratory issues, organ failure, and increase cancer risk (https://springboardcenter.org, 2025).
· Poor packaging: Examine the box for blurry printing, misspelled words, inconsistent logos, or a lack of safety seals.
· Missing authentication: Check for a QR code, batch number, or serial number on the package. Reputable brands offer a way to verify product’s authenticity.
· “Too good to be true” price: If a vape is priced significantly cheaper than retailers, it’s likely a counterfeit.
· Unlicensed seller: Only buy from trusted, licensed dispensaries or reputable retailers. Avoid street vendors “plugs” or unverified online sources.
· Odd performance or smell: If the vapor tastes burnt, metallic, or chemically unusual, stop using immediately.
· Suspicious liquid: High-quality vape is typically thick and golden or amber. If the liquid is thin, runny, or unnaturally colored, it could be fake (https://vaping360.com, 2024).
These are products that have been widely accepted among teens and adults. Whenever possible, please by your products from a reputable dispensary versus a smoke or vape shop which are only in the business for money rather than safety. Too many people have been seriously injured or died from fake vapes. Thanks for reading and please make educated decisions about these products.
Affirmation: I prioritize my health and safety by choosing products from reputable sources.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to talk about a strain called “Cereal Milk.” I don’t know about you, but I love to turn up the milk in my bowl and drink the leftover cereal milk. Let’s talk for a minute.
Cereal Milk is a balanced hybrid for a well-rounded sesh. And the taste from beginning to end is one of sweet creaminess. And it’s not a really dank smelling strain. And the genetics are Snowman x Y-Life. On closer look Snowman is another phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. . Y-Life is a cross of Gelato x OG Kush. These genetics are off the hinge! GSC and OG Kush is all that needs to be said. The initial high is very cerebral with a nice balancing body high.
Medical patients report relief from symptoms like chronic stress, nausea or appetite loss, chronic fatigue, depression, migraines, and chronic pain. Major terpenes are trans-Caryophyllene, Linalool, a-Humulene. In my opinion this strain could be for anyone novice or seasoned. And it would be one good right before work or at lunch. This one has helped me stay more focused and adjust my attitude for the better. Thanks for reading. Keep blazin.’
Affirmation: Cannabis is a tool that enhances focus and awareness.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about the “hash hole” or “doughnut” that I will use to celebrate National Hash Hole Day. The strain that I’m going to tell you about is called Zoo Dog.
Zoo Dog is a 70/30 indica-dominant hybrid. It is a cross between Gorilla Glue #4 x Chemdawg. Gorilla Glue #4 is a three way cross between Chem’s Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel. Chemdawg is an indica-dominant hybrid whose exact lineage is unknown. The genetics in this strain are amazing. GG #4 x Chemdawg were some of the first specific strains that tried when I initially got on medical cannabis. These strains are fire on their own. But with the combination of these strains and then a nice strip of concentrate is absolutely a bonfire.
The top terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Humulene, Isopulegol, and B-Caryophyllene. Patients report relief from conditions such as chronic pain, depression, headaches, migraines, anxiety, sleep, and stress. What I can personally tell you about my experience is that you better take your Cheetos to the couch with you. This infused preroll that is sitting at 43.04% will have you growing into the fabric of the couch or recliner within a few tokes. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’
Affirmation: My body is filled with healing energy whenever I inhale cannabis.
“I’m not a great pothead or anything like that…but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol.”
-Bill Maher
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about the cannabis holiday 11/30.
The cannabis holiday was developed by adding the well-known cannabis holidays 4/20 and the cannabis concentrate holiday 7/10. Together they form a holiday that is about the combination of concentrates and flower. And since Thanksgiving is synonymous with gorging ourselves with food, edibles also seem like a good fit. There are other products known as “doughnuts” or “hash holes.”
The new holiday began November 30, 2023, in Los Angeles and was called National Hash hole Day. It consists of a fat joint of high-quality cannabis with a rosin-filled center. And when it burns there is a hold that is formed all the way down the center. As someone who enjoys these types of products, I can say with confidence that you need to make sure that you have nothing to do. It is a very strong high that has the ability to couch lock you for a couple of hours. It’s like smoking flower and hitting dabs all at the same time (https://www.visithollyweed.com/first-annual-national-hashhole-day-on-11-30-features-berner-marcos-surita/, 2023).
Thanks for reading! Have a safe and happy National Hash Hole Day!
Affirmation: I only share my kindest buds with my kindest buds, and vice versa.
***Don’t forget to watch the video! Because of the cannabis content I wasn’t able to embed the link. But the link is right down there.***
“I don’t smoke weed to escape reality. I smoke it to make reality funnier.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. This little genetically mysterious strain that will help with the stress of the “Black Friday” hoopla.
Black Velvet is a 50/50 hybrid with rumors of the genetics being a cross between The Black X Burmese Kush. The Black is a 90% indica-dominant hybrid that is derived from Afghan, Vietnamese, and Mexican landraces. But the exact genetics I have yet to find. Burmese Kush is a cross between Burmese x SFV OG Kush (San Fernando Valley).
The major terpene found is Pinene. And this is usually the terpene that handles the added dose of anxiety. However, the dark strains are typically indica-dominant. This will help tremendously with that tiring day of shopping. Patients have reported relief from anxiety, some chronic pain, glaucoma, bipolar disorder with associated mood swings, and eating disorders. Keep blazin.’ And stay safe.
Affirmation: I am choosing a strain and dosage that supports my intentions and enhances my experience.
“Indeed, marijuana is less toxic thatn many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”
-Goldleaf
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about the next stoner recognized day, Green Wednesday. I know. I know. All the stoner’s just want another weed day, right? The truth is that it’s 420 at my house 24/7. Let me explain this day to you.
Green Wednesday is a holiday that started in 2016 and is also known as the beginning of “Danksgiving” that refers to the cannabis-infused meals and celebration. It was when cannabis companies began to notice a consistent increase in their sale right before Thanksgiving each year. Retailers saw the rise in sales more than a coincidence.
We cannabis enthusiasts use cannabis products intentionally around these days. I use because of the personal chaos in my family. And personally, I would rather get hit by a car than spend the holidays with some members of my family. And quite frankly, there’s not enough weed on the planet to make that situation comfortable. It is seen as the Black Friday of the cannabis world (https://nueracannabis.com, 2024).
Go to your local dispensaries and check out all of their sales and stock up on the products created with this beautiful plant. And now would be a good time to also stock up for 11/30. I will definitely be adding to my already beautiful stash as well. Thanks for reading and enjoy the holiday season relaxed while deflecting all the BS that sometimes comes with the historical time of getting together with families.
Affirmation: I inhale peace and exhale stress with every breath.
“Kush rolled, glass full. I prefer the better things.”
-Rihana
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to discuss a cannabis strain called Moroccan Peaches. And peachy it is!
I don’t know about you. But when I heard this name, I instantly thought about a warm peach cobbler. I know. It’s a very southern thought. This strain is considered a 50/50 hybrid. And I would have to put it above the hybrid strain Pink Peanut. But not by much.
The genetics for this strain is a cross of Spanish Barbara x Lemon Tree Skorange. Let’s look at the genetics a little closer. Spanish Barbara is known for its Barbara Bud #23 phenotype. It’s also known for being a sativa-dominant plant with a peach aroma. And I can tell you that the peachy flavors come through so well. From the minute you inhale, the peach aroma follows the entire experience. And before you can exhale this strain hits with gusto.
Lemon Tree Skorange is also a 50/50 hybrid strain known for its lemon flavor profile. And it is believed to be a cross between Lemon Skunk x Sour Diesel. Skorange is a hybrid of Cali O and OG Kush. And deep in its lineage is THC Bomb. Which is responsible for having a lemon scent and OG Kush dankness.
Moroccan Peaches hits your brain hits your brain with energy but also with a nice indica balance. And for me, it made me a little “chatty Kathy.” Patients report relief from chronic stress, chronic fatigue, depression, mood swings, migraines, and PMS. Terpene profile include B-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and a-Humulene. Thanks for reading. And keep blazin.’
Affirmation: Happiness is a journey, not a destination, and cannabis keeps it smooth sailing.
“Weed taught me patience. Mostly because I forget what I was doing.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to tell you about the strain known as Candied Apples. This one fits the time of year perfectly.
Candied Apples is a sativa-dominant hybrid that is a cross between Blueberry x Pineapple x Afghan. Blueberry is an indica-dominant hybrid cross between Purple Thai x Thai. Pineapple also known as “Pineapple OG” hybrid of possible genetics between OG Kush x Golden Goat x Pineapple Kush. Afghan is a naturally occurring stain in the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan with minimal human influence. Thank you to the indica-dominant strains for taming the sativa influence.
Top terpenes include Pinene, Myrcene and Limonene. And it has been known to provide relief from depression, stress, and anxiety. Even though this strain shows a slight dominance of sativa in the terpenes, I didn’t have to worry about the additional anxiety. Another great lunchtime strain. Keep blazin.’ And stay safe.
Affirmation: I am using cannabis mindfully to achieve my goals, whether it’s focus, relaxation, or creativity.
This Puzzled Life 