Linalool

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Gushers Strain Review

“Gushers is the strain that reminds you joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just fruit‑flavored and waiting on you.”

-This Puzzled Life

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Let the smoke rise like it’s clocking in for its shift. Today we’re calling in the spirit of Gushers. It’s the strain that tastes like somebody melted a bag of fruit snacks on the dashboard of a ’98 Corolla and somehow made it holy.

Gushers is a 60/40 indica-hybrid. Not the kind that can’t make up its mind. This one knows exactly who it is. It’s a laid‑back, fruit‑forward, body‑melting hybrid. And walks into the room wearing Crocs and still pulls focus. This strain is a cross between Gelato #41 × Triangle Kush. Gelato #41 is a cross between Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint GSC. And Triangle Kush is a cross between Emerald Triangle OG × Hindu Kush. Gushers tastes like fruit snacks, sweet berry syrup, tropical candy, and a whisper of earthy kush on the exhale. It’s the strain equivalent of someone handing you a Capri Sun and saying, “You look like you need this.”

The terpene profile is Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Linalool. Together they create a vibe that’s equal parts candy aisle and meditation pillow. Patients reach for this strain to help with chronic stress, anxiety, mild to moderate pain, mood swings, appetite support, and end‑of‑day decompression. This is a strain that doesn’t rush you. It just hands you a blanket and says, “Baby, breathe.”

Please keep in mind that depending on differences in grows depends on what area of the country it is grown in. Ther will also be slight differences depending on when, where the plant was grown. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’ Have you tried this strain?

Affirmation: I allow sweetness to find me. I soften. I settle. And I let my body remember ease.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Blackberry Snow Cone Vape Cart Review

“Some flavors don’t just taste good. They take you back to the version of yourself who still believed in magic.”

-This Puzzled Life

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Let the smoke curl up like a memory you can almost taste. Before Blackberry Snow Cone ever hit a vape cart. Before terpenes had names I could pronounce. Before I knew what a phenotype was or why growers argued about them like SEC football. There was me. Barefoot on Mississippi gravel. And clutching a Styrofoam cup of neon‑blue snow cone like it was salvation.

One of my favorite childhood joys was standing at that tiny snow cone shack. The one with the hand‑painted menu and the fan that never actually cooled anything. Waiting for that syrupy mountain of ice. And right beside that memory sits another of walking the roadside with purple‑stained fingers. Plucking wild blackberries straight from the bramble. They were warm from the sun. Tart enough to make your jaw twitch. And sweet enough to make you forget the thorns. Blackberry Snow Cone hits both of those memories at once. Like someone bottled nostalgia. Chilled it. And handed it back to me in vapor form.

Blackberry Snow Cone is an indica-hybrid. This isn’t a widely standardized strain. But most growers trace its roots as a cross between Blackberry Kush × Snow Cone. Blackberry Kush is a cross between Afghani × Blackberry. Snow Cone is a cross between Snowman × Cherry Pie. The flavor profile consists of fresh‑picked blackberries, shaved ice sweetness, with a cool, creamy finish. It also has light herbal undertones that nod back to its Kush ancestry. It’s childhood nostalgia with grown‑folk nuance.

The terpene profile for this strain includes Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Linalool (sometimes). Patients often reach for Blackberry Snow Cone for stress, mood, mild pain and tension, creativity, focus, and anxiety. It’s the strain equivalent of sitting on a porch swing at dusk. And letting the day melt off your shoulders.

And so here we are. Grown, busy, bruised by life in all the predictable and unpredictable ways. And  still chasing the same sweetness we loved before we even had words for why it mattered. Blackberry Snow Cone isn’t just a vape cart. It’s a little time machine disguised as vapor. A reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated to be real. Sometimes it’s just a flavor that takes you back to gravel roads, purple‑stained fingertips, and a snow cone stand that felt like church.

If a strain can carry you home and forward at the same time, this one does. Inhale. Exhale. Remember. Release. And let the world soften around the edges like melting ice on a hot Mississippi afternoon. May every hit remind you that sweetness is still out here. And waiting on you to claim it.

Please keep in mind that depending on differences in grows depends on what area of the country it is grown in. Ther will also be slight differences depending on when, where the plant was grown. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’ Have you tried this strain?

Affirmation: I honor the sweetness in my past. The strength in my present. And the joy I allow myself to taste today.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

 

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Zookies Strain Review

“The first time I smoked, I didn’t get high, but I did end up going to McDonald’s.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about the strain known as Zookies by Max Harvest

Instantly this strain makes an impact. Some strains might be slow to take effect, but this one doesn’t. Let’s look at the genetics. Zookies is a 50/50 hybrid cross between Animal Cookies x Gorilla Glue #4. Animal cookies is a cross of Girl Scout Cookies x Fire OG. Gorilla Glue #4 is a cross between Chem’s Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel.

This strain is loaded with terpenes such as Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, Linalool and Humulene. The medical benefits include relief from insomnia, chronic pain, depression, muscle spasms, cramps, nausea, and appetite loss. This strain lives up to it’s reputation as an overall great strain. The indica side of this strain is very potent. However, there’s enough sativa to still be able to be productive. But use in moderation as “couch lock” is possible and happening as I write. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’

Affirmation: Cannabis helps me find peace.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Bubble Bath Strain Review

“Peace isn’t something you find. It’s something you steep in.”

-This Puzzled Life

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Today we’re stepping into the tub of truth with the strain Bubble Bath. It’s a strain that doesn’t just relax you. It baptizes you in a whole new denomination of “mind your business and moisturize your spirit.”

Bubble Bath is an Indica-dominant hybrid. It’s a cross between  The Soap × Project 4516. The Soap is a cross between Animal Mints × Kush Mints. Project 4516 is a cross between Gelato 41 × Gelato 45. It’s the kind that whispers “sit down somewhere” but with manners. This lineage is basically a family reunion where everybody smells expensive. Nobody brought paper plates. And someone’s aunt is definitely reading tarot in the corner.

Bubble Bath hits like a spa day in a smoke cloud. And the flavors consist of a creamy, soft vanilla, fresh herbal mint, a little floral soapiness (but in a “rich auntie’s bathroom” way, not “hotel lobby dispenser” way), and a lingering sweetness that feels like warm steam on your face.

The terpene profile is Limonene, Linalool, and Caryophyllene. Together they create a “take your bra off and exhale” moment. Bubble Bath is the strain you call when your whole nervous system is filing HR complaints. It may help with chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle pain. This is the strain for when you need to be held but by THC instead of a person.

Please keep in mind that depending on differences in grows depends on what area of the country it is grown in. Ther will also be slight differences depending on when, where the plant was grown. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’ Have you tried this strain?

Affirmation: I release the noise. I welcome the softness. And I let my spirit settle like warm water.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#ThisPuzzledLife

darnold1975

What Are Terpenes?

“Terpenes can enhance the effects of cannabinoids when combined or take with them.”

-Montana Department of Revenue

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to talk to you about terpenes. I am going to do my best to break it down in the easiest way possible.

In plants, terpenes are a natural defense against herbivores and pests. They also play a part in the attraction of beneficial organisms ensuring plant survival and reproduction. Some terpenes protect the plants from environmental stressors like heat and UV radiation. They also function as signaling defense mechanisms (www.nature.com, 2025).

Terpenes are organic compounds responsible for the aromas and flavors of cannabis strains and other plants. And cannabis has over 150 identified terpenes in the plant. However, many exist in such low concentrations that  there may not significantly contribute. 

Beyond aromatic qualities terpenes are also studied for therapeutic benefits like pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects, among others. The factors that influence terpene profiles are genetics, growing conditions and the plant’s developmental  stage. Here are a few terpenes and explanations.

§  Myrcene: known for earthy flavors and associated with  pain relief and relaxation. This is one of the main terpenes that I look for in my medicine. It is a  big one that helps with chronic pain.

§  Caryophyllene: has the “pepper like” flavor that also helps with pain relief.

§  Limonene: responsible for the citrusy aroma. And helps with mood elevation.

§  Pinene: correct! This one is responsible for the pine scent which can also help to elevate mood. I will tell you that most of the negative anxiety experiences that I have with cannabis is due to this “panic attack provoker.” And that is why I tend to enjoy hybrids.

§  Linalool: responsible for flora aromas and relaxation. Helps with the ability to combat stress and ease body aches, reduce muscle spasms, relieve pain, and anxiety.

§  Humulene: is used for inflammation and weight control. And helps to tame those terrible munchies.

§  Terpinolene: has been shown to help inhibit tumor growth and have positive effects on cardiovascular disease (www.cannaflower.com, 2021).

Terpenes and other medical benefits:

§  Aromatherapy and Flavoring: Terpenes are used in essential oil, perfumes, and food.

§  Potential Therapeutic Effects: Research indicates potential health benefits include:

o   Anti-inflammatory: Helps with chronic inflammation

o   Analgesic: pain relief

o   Anti-anxiety and antidepressant:they promote calming effects and improve mood. Linalool is found in lavender.

o   Antioxidant: Protects cells against damage

o   Antimicrobial and antifungal combat bacterial and fungal infections

o   Sleep improvements: Terpenes like myrcene have sedating effect and promote relaxation.

o   Neuroprotective effects:Potentially help protect neurons from damage and degradation.

o   Cancer research: Early studies suggest potential anticancer properties (www.medicalnewstoday.com, 2025).

All these points describe how the terpenes in cannabis and other plants can be so helpful to us and to our ecosystem. I invite you to know the terpenes that work best for you even if you are not personally use cannabis. They are an essential part in healing and management of various debilitating conditions. Thanks for reading! And Know Your Terpenes!

Affirmation: I will allow myself to accept my pain today and embrace the things that relieve it.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: OG Kush Strain Review

“If you can’t remember my name, just call me ‘indica,’ I’ll still put you down.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about another strain that when you talk about cannabis this strain will likely be discussed. And it’s the classic and very wonderful OG Kush strain.

OG Kush is an 80/20 indica-dominant hybrid strain. It’s a cross between Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush. Chemdawg is believed to be from Thai and Nepalese landrace strains. However, the exact lineage is unknown. And it’s also said to originate from bag seed found at a  Grateful Dead concert in the 90s. Lemon Thai is a cross between a classic Thai landrace strain. And it’s crossed by Dutch Flowers x Hawaiian sativa. Hindu Kush is a landrace strain from the Hindu mountain range. This strains origins start in Florida. The “OG” is sometimes called “Original Gangster, “ “Ocean Grown” or “Original Grower.” And it’s known to be a foundational strain. Matt “Bubba” Berger cultivated the strain from an accidental cross involving Lemon Thai x Chemdawg. Berger then brought the genetics to Los Angeles in 1996. Josh Del Rosso refined its cultivation and distribution thereby solidifying its legendary status.

Top terpenes in this strain are Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Pinene. Patients report relief from stress, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and appetite loss. This strain is perfect for breakthrough pain. This strain is perfect for breakthrough pain. “Couchlock” is readily available even without being asked. So not one to use during the day unless you have time for the effects to wear off before doing an activity. Oh, and keep the Cheetos available for mass consumption. Please keep in mind that each grow will be different and the flower’s effects will differ depending on which region of the country that the plant is grown. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: The plant guides me toward clarity, not escape.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Jelly Breath Strain Review

“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.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Cereal Milk Strain Review

“Wanna smoke? Alpaca bowl.”

-Unknown

 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.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Candied Apples Strain Review

“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.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Banana Cream Cake Strain Review

“Some of my finest hours have been spent on my back veranda, hemp and observing as far as my eye can see.”

-Thomas Jefferson

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to review the strain Banana Cream Pie. Yep, doesn’t it sound like a strain that would go well during the Thanksgiving holiday? Sit tight, while I describe this nice add to the holidays.

Banana Cream Cake a.k.a Banana Cake is a sativa-dominant hybrid. This strain is made by crossing Wedding Cake x Monkey Banana. This has become one to add to my list of likes. With it being a sativa-dominant strain, I was a little skeptical about whether I would like it. But this little girl is a nice strain.

This strain hit me directly in the eyes like a prized fighter. But it’s not too anxiety provoking. I would be cautious with novice users. Because it will sneak up on you with it’s powerful kick. Patients choose this strain to help with symptoms of chronic depression, anxiety, and pain. I know. There is enough indica in it to tame that anxiety associated with sativas.

This strain was on Leafly’s top 12 strains of 2022 harvest. And what a sweet beauty she is. The sweetness of vanilla combined with chestnuts give this strain a sweet and hardy flavoring. Dominant terpenes are Limonene, trans-Caryophyllene and Linalool. Those with anxiety issues can enjoy but need to be careful and not overdo it.

Thanks for reading! Keep smilin’ and blazin.’

Affirmation: I am grateful for how cannabis expands my creative ability.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife