This Puzzled Life is a mental health and recovery blog exploring addiction, trauma healing, LGBTQ experiences, humor, and the strange moments that shape us.
“There was a point I was embarrassed at how much thought I put into weed. But I’ve embraced it.”
-Seth Rogan
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to highlight one of my favor cannabis strains, GMO. This girl has “diesel dyke” written all over her. Or maybe the “Diet Coke Man” from the commercials where he is sweating without his shirt working on tires. He might even be hanging from scaffolding, again without a shirt, drinking Diet Coke not working. Either way, this strain name must be “STINKY!”
GMO strain is also known as “Garlic Cookies.” It’s an indica dominant strain of Chemdawg x Girl Scout Cookies. And the very first thing you will notice is that stinky, dank aroma. And the lineage is also very stinky. But once it hits, have the Cheetos nearby. It has a very distinct aroma of garlic and cookies. Combined the smell resembles the smell of diesel. If you like straight diesel strains without the combination of fruity strains used to tone down the taste, this is like you are smoking diesel fumes. You either love it or hate it. The terpene profile is dominated by caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene and humulene.
This “little stinker” wraps her cannabis arms around my shoulders, and we cuddle for the next 30 minutes. And I revel in the experience of a momentary state of total completeness. She has been great for my pain and insomnia. GMO is not a strain that you should use prior to going to work unless you are a regular indica user. This is a very heavy strain that prides itself on the art of “couch locking.”
I love dank strains like this. There is a significant difference in “diesel dank” and “skunk dank.” I can tolerate little skunk. So, for me it’s a good alternate that I’ve learned to love. And for my needs I give it a 5 out of 5! Thanks for reading! And Keep Smoking!
Affirmation: My positivity and enthusiasm for life are infectious, and people love me for it.
“Don’t judge someone until you have shared a joint with them.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to talk to you about a product that I like to call “the total package.” It is a concentrate known as Watermelon Woo! And it is truly ‘watermelon’ every step of the way.
This beautiful strain is considered an indica. Watermelon Woo is found to be closely associated with the strain Watermelon. And it has also been linked to OG Kush. But the exact genetics are currently unknown. The combination of the terpenes makes it taste exactly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. The Watermelon auto resulted from crossing Tropicana Cookies X Lemon OG. Top terpenes are Linalool, Pinene and Myrcene. Those first two seem to have links to increase anxiety. And I am sensitive to those.
Medical benefits include relief from stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain relief and mood improvement. Even eaten as a concentrate, the benefits are there. And if you are sensitive to tastes, like I am, the taste is very tolerable.
Affirmation: My joints never run. My bong is always clean. My bowls are overflowing with fresh greens.
“Don’t worry. Don’t cry. Smoke weed and get high.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review a local strain that has not been given an official name yet. Nope, I can’t just give it a name. There are so many things that have to be considered when naming a strain. So, for now it’s considered a crossbred strain.
When I was looking for strains that represent the month of July for me, I couldn’t pass up Ice Cream Cake x Animal Mints. I will tell you about the linage on each. Ice Cream Cake as a cannabis strain is an unbelievable indica. It’s super potent of a really gassy strain but with the vanilla, creamy aroma. That strain that is a cross of Cheesecake x Dream Cookie both that have Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream in the family strain. And what better strain than to combine some of the best of two different ends of the spectrum. Ice Cream Cake has a unique sweet aroma and taste of vanilla goodness.
Animal Mints is a cross of Animal Cookies x Girl Scout Cookies x Blue Power. The result is a nice potent dankness with genetics that taste like mint. Just look at that lineup for Animal Mints. As you can see, the genetics of just a cross bred strain has just as much genetic material as a regular named strain. Everything has a process.
This one is such beauty that you don’t realize until something like this strain is available, and you take a chance. I really love this strain! If you need something to sweep you off your feet and into the clouds, it’s right here! And I learned a lot of this by simply teaching myself cannabis strain linage. Keep smiling. Keep smoking. And I’ll Blaze You Later!
Affirmation: I won’t share blunts with people who won’t share roaches with me.
“A marijuana high can enhance core human mental abilities.”
-Sebastian Marincolo, Author
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review one of mt favorite indica strains, Strawberry Cheesecake. Holy Cow! Have I got another summer beauty to unveil to you. Take her strength for granted and you will find yourself growing into the fabric of the seat where you now rest your butt.
Strawberry Cheesecake is a strain that I thought would be too light for me, as I typically need very stinky, dark, smelly, diesel, fuel, and gassy as possible. It takes a really heavy indica to slow my mind down. Definitely fruity on the intake. But it then takes a sharp turn into some stanky “cheese” flavorings. And she can really flap her wings.
Strawberry Cheesecake has a family tree of Chronic x White Widow x Cheese. The main terpenes are d-Limonene, beta-Myrcene, beta-Caryophyllene. Remember these two words: fruity and earthy. And there is another stinker flavor than earthy. And it’s probably that Cheese. However, it does have that sour taste and smell. But that oh so comforting, “cannabis hug” just draws you nearer to her fruity goodness.
It is a heavy indica that works greatly on chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 as one of my favorite indica strains. Try it for yourself and tell me what you think. I’m always open to feedback. Thanks for reading! Now I’m going to a dispensary!
Affirmation: I am grateful for how cannabis expands my creative ability.
“Smoking weed doesn’t make you cool, but if you’re cool then you’re probably smoke weed.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review strains that go along with summertime. And how much more “Americana” can you get with watermelon in July. Sit tight! This strain review is going to be fun.
Watermelon Tree aka “Watermelon Kush” and “Watermelon OG” is an indica-dominant hybrid which is known for its fruity watermelon-like flavors (vivosun.com, 2025). And I can attest to that. The flavors in this strain are remarkable. You can totally taste those fruity terpenes that are completed into a beautiful, above average and calming high. Watermelon Tree linage varies depending on the source. However, I have found that this strain is most commonly associated with a cross between Lemon Tree x Watermelon Kush or Watermelon. There are others who cross Watermelon Lemonade x Lemon Tree. The name is also interchanged with Watermelon Skittlez.
Now even if we don’t know exact lineage, we can look at the other associate strains and their effects. What I can deduce about this strain and that there is “Kush” and “OG” strains. This automatically shouts, “stinky and gassy.” And those are automatic indicas. Watermelon Skittlez is an indica-dominant hybrid. Lemon Tree is a hybrid. And the sativa effects which balance this strain are the fruity and citrus flavors which function as an anti-depressant. It’s an all-around wonderful indica-dominant hybrid strain. And on the 1 to 5 scale that I use, I would definitely put this strain at around 4.5.
For me personally, I could use a little more indica. The strain has enough indica from its linage, though, to counteract the sativa effects to a comfortable experience. And mild enough to keep the panic attacks at bay.
The medical effects related to this strain are slow moving sort of like a “creeper” strain just gentler. It is often chosen to treat stress, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, depression and migraines. I really can’t say anything bad about this strain. I’m a hardcore indica smoker so I’m used to “couch lock” strains. And this one is not that strong. But it’s a very nice high. Excellent job with this strain! Thanks for reading! Keep smiling. Keep laughing and Keep moving forward!
Affirmation: I have the patience to get through running out of weed.
“If the whole world dabbed at the same time, there would be peace for at least two hours, followed by a global food shortage.”
-Dana Landrum-Arnold
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you why so many people use cannabis concentrates. Concentrates are not made equally. There are subtle differences that go into making these beautiful products. And a day where cannabis enthusiasts take pride in celebrating them is on 7/10 and at 7:10 p.m. every year. But you can also use it at 7:10 p.m. every evening.
Ok, first let me start by telling you about how 7/10originated. This day also known as “Oil Day.” And those of us who love and use these very potent products on the regular, we are called “Oil Heads.” That is a banner which I wear very proudly. It’s also a day for more experienced users. But there are those who will overuse and have horrible experiences.
If you invert the number 710 it will spell out “OIL.” You might ask why 420 doesn’t cover it all. And technically concentrates do fall under the 420 umbrella because it’s also cannabis. However, concentrates are a specific form of cannabis. This type of consumption is becoming more mainstream. Most people don’t know how to use these products appropriately to reach maximum benefit. If it’s a new experience and someone dabs you for sport, you might lose interest very quickly. I have been over dabbed also due to inexperience and all you can do is recline your chair, get a cold rag and wait until your high wears off a bit. Yes, you can become nauseous and throw up. If done correctly, though, the experience can be more beautiful than you can imagine.
Concentrates are about your tolerance, not anyone else’s. I’m constantly alternating my concentrates so that I don’t develop a tolerance to a certain strain too quickly. How is this beneficial? You make more and better use out of your product. And at anywhere from about $40 to over $100 per gram.
Why so expensive you ask? To make cannabis concentrates, it requires a lot of cannabis flower just to make one batch. The machinery used is expensive. And so are the solvents used to make it them. And then there are the state taxes and testing costs that are required. With most states capping the THC percentage at around 60% the concentrates are still held back in regard to the stronger possibilities.
The argument is that they are too strong. Where they become a danger is usually due to people who speak out of ignorance. No one can control impulsive idiots who overdue and become sick. Medically, concentrates help much quicker. And for chronic pain and PTSD, sometimes I need the relief immediately. Dabbing budder, badder, shatter, wax, hash, live resin, butane hash oil or distillate is a much quicker and more potent high than you get from flower. And the relief can last up to a few hours. Dabbing concentrates is like smoking about three joints all at once. Vape pens provide the same type of relief, usually with less smell than flower. Buying this at a “head shop” or gas station in the form of THC-A wax is not regulated and is DANGEROUS. When possible, ALWAYS buy from a dispensary where products are tested and results displayed on the product packaging.
Edibles are also considered concentrates as most use either butane hash oil or cannabis infused butter. Edibles just take a little longer to work. And the medication works much longer because they go through the digestive system rather than the lungs. Whatever you buy DO NOT EAT THE ENTIRE EDIBLE AT ONE TIME!
Concentrates are about a stronger relief in moderation, not seeing how “trashed” you can get. Talk to budtenders at dispensaries about what products and strains that fit your medical needs. And ask them for recommendations for using if inexperienced. You will thank yourself later. As always thanks for reading. Be safe. Keep smiling. Keep dabbing. And Happy 710 fellow concentrate enthusiasts!
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today is the last day for the Pride strain reviews. I enjoy doing strain reviews, especially those that relate in some way to our celebrations. Sit for a moment while I introduced you to our last little sassy beast.
The name of today’s strain highlight is Rancid Rainbow. The genetics include Rainbow Sherbert #11 x Rancid Skunk. And just the name of genetic strains we know that this one is probably, at the very least, a hybrid. It’s almost a truly equal hybrid. But a slight indica dominant strain sits at a 60%/40% ratio. On the inhale is the immediate “fruity pebble cereal” flavoring. On the back end is that stink that give it its name. And even though the genetics are skunky, it still carries that fuel stink and taste.
This is a strain that can be used during the day with moderation. Too much of this little girl and you might as well clock out. She’s a strong one at 29% THC. Her medical effects help to relief stress and pain at the top. And while the rest of us are almost finished with Pride, she is a “ride-or-die” that you want riding shotgun in your medicine cabinet. Rancid Rainbow ranks at 4.5 out of 5 as a total package. Well done, Southern Grown Therapeutics!
I hope everyone has enjoyed all of the Pride celebrations for 2025. Everyone in the Pride family, I encourage you to gather your strength and carry the Pride flag within you everywhere you go. We have some difficult days ahead while “The Furor” is in power. He can run his mouth. But he can’t take our RANCID RAINBOW!
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Okie dokie! Another cannabis strain that represents the LGBTQIA+ community. Combining the color blue from the pride flag and unicorns. And there isn’t anything gayer than a unicorn. Sit for a moment while I describe this healing cannabis strain.
Blunicorn is a strain that I fell in love with on inhale. It is a hybrid cross of Blue Sherbert x Unicorn Poop. And definitely has some stink to it. Blue Sherbert is a cross between Blue Cookies x Sun Sherbert. Unicorn Poop is a cross between GMO Cookies x Sophisticated Lady. This is a long line of hybrids and a few indicas in the lineage that will be recognized and noted in a smoking sesh with friends. The Unicorn Poop lineage gives it that noticeable dose of indica. It is steady at 22.7% THC but is still one for both beginners and connoisseurs to enjoy. The main terpenes are Limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene. Patients use it for anxiety, depression and pain. And I can attest to the information. This strain has flavors of blueberry, berry and mango.
More colorful strains will follow this month in prideful fashion. Make sure to subscribe to this blog and social media accounts and never miss another post. Keep reading. Keep smiling. Happy Pride!
Affirmation: I am manifesting more cannabis into my life.
“Life deals you a lot of lessons. Some people learn from it. Some people don’t.”
-Brett Farve
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away! Now that the 420 festivities are over with, I can really take the time to look at everything that Snoop the Weedster Bunny put in my stash basket. And all the wonderful goodies have clearly aimed to please. One of the new local strains that Snoop brought to me was called Brett Farve!
This is a local novelty strain named after the hall of fame quarterback Brett Farve. And yes, he is considered a hometown legend. This little beauty is made by a company called Gruv. Genetics are unknown to the public at this time. However, I can promise you that this strain will remain in my top five strains for eternity. It is estimated that the actual strain name is Scandalous OG. And a sub-strain of the OG Kush lineage.
With the guesstimated strain name, there’s are a few things that I knew about the strain without knowing the definite genetics. This strain has a very instant and dank fuel, diesel aroma. Also, the OG strains are typically indica dominant whether it’s a hybrid or straight indica. The taste, however, isn’t as heavy with the fuel as the smell. Your first taste is heavy, green, terpy taste. And then it hits the back of your throat with a scratchy, pepper taste. When it hits your body, fall into the cloud. Huge bong rips will leave you paralyzed with “couch lock.”
This strain hits at a whopping 30%. And let me tell you, this strain will not disappoint. I began getting pain relief almost instantly. This is definitely not a fruity strain. It has some true dank appeal to my tastebuds. I also don’t detect any type of skunkiness. With Brett Farve being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, this is a strain that reminds me a lot of him. It’s “tough as nails” in potency and terpenes at 4%. Top terpenes are Limonene, trans-Caryophyllene and a-Humulene. The heavy pain and stress relieving qualities combo is one that Brett could receive much benefit. Health benefits from medical cannabis with Parkinson’s patients by improving both motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms such as: bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, sleep and pain.
I realized that this new company took a lot of risks just getting into the cannabis industry with this “hail mary” of a strain. It was a total touchdown in my book! The novelty stain name will be enticing for Hattiesburg, MS area medical patients who remember watching Brett Farve when he played at the University of Southern Mississippi. But the strain creation was a completed pass! And I look forward to more that this company has to offer. Thanks for reading! Keep it Green!
Affirmation: I have the right to choose healthcare that is best for me.
“A friend with weed is a friend indeed. A friend who shares is a friend who cares.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Okie dokie! I’ve provided some information on basic things that need to be considered before using cannabis products. As time keeps creeping closer to 420, I thought that I would explain one more thing, smoking etiquette.
Some people have no idea that there is a certain way to conduct your smoking sesh with friends. If you are by yourself, then do what you want. The last thing you want, though, is to be smoking at someone else’s house because of an invite and be the only one in the sesh who doesn’t know what they’re doing. The invite is ruined and you probably won’t get another one. You don’t have to be perfect. Just know the basics and you’ll pick up on the rest.
The main thing to remember is that the sesh is about respect, consideration, and ensuring that everyone has a good time.
Be warm and welcoming. Respect people’s boundaries. Do NOT pressure anyone who does not want to participate. Do NOT blow smoke in someone’s face or on pets. That is being an asshole. And I would kick you out of my circle.
Make sure your equipment is clean and so are your surroundings. No one wants to smoke out of a crusty bong with stale water. If using glass mix some 90% alcohol with salt. The salt will act as a scrubber to get the crusties and resin off. If you are using a pipe or silicone, leave it in the alcohol for about 10 minutes. Then use a toothbrush to get off the remaining residue. You might have to do this again during the sesh depending on how thick the resin gets while smoking.
Always contribute to the mix. Take cannabis with you and give it to the person who’s running the circle. You don’t have to bring a bunch. Just bring something. Or ask to help provide drinks and snacks. Those munchies are angry little beasts that demand to be fed.
Inform other participants the name of the strain you brought. It’s just a common courtesy to let someone know what they’re consuming.
Respect the roller or packer. Do NOT criticize what the results of their rolling looks like. You were invited and can be uninvited really quickly.
Do Not smoke or allow someone to smoke when they are sick. No one wants germs.
Do Not stick the joint or blunt far in your mouth. You are there to smoke it, not make out with it.
The term “Puff, Puff, Pass” actually has meaning. Take two puffs and pass in the direction of the circle. No one in the circle likes a smoker who bogarts. Plus, the circle moves harmoniously.
“Being misunderstood doesn’t mean you’re the issue…sometimes it’s the societal lens that needs cleaning.”
-Bob Marley
If you are passing a bowl, DO NOT light the entire bowl like when you are at home. Everyone enjoys tasting the fresh green. Light only small corners or areas.
Regardless of what friend’s house you might go to, respect their property and other family members. You are the guest, not the warden or at a frat party. If they ask you not to smoke in certain areas, respect their wishes. If they have small children or a spouse that is sleeping, be mindful of noise levels.
If you are a new smoker, know your limit. If you tell them that you want to take a break. Anyone who knows etiquette, will respect your decisions without badgering you. Plus, no one wants a slobbering idiot who overindulges.
And last but not least, always pass to the left. It’s just a stoner’s tradition.
I hope that you now feel a little more prepared for the glorious day of 4/20. Cannabis is about being chill. It’s not about creating unnecessary, alcohol induced “redneck drama”. Laugh and have fun. But don’t get ridiculous. Some of these very simple reminders can make the smoke sesh so much more enjoyable. And they’ll want to invite you back. The countdown to 4/20 is on! Thanks for reading!
“Society has unfairly labeled stoners without understanding the depth behind the smoke.”