Illinois News Joint

JANUARY 16, 2024

While Super Boof has been around for a while now, 2023 was the real breakout year for the funny-named strain. Northern Heights by Oregonix included the cut as part of the labels first strain drops, and it immediately grabbed my attention. ILNJ photos To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Indica 102

Indica Strains Trichome Hybrid 102

Illinois News Joint

APRIL 16, 2024

While credible arguments can be made for many classic strains, I still believe the best way to drop a new label is with new genetics. This batch of flower tested at 0.75% THC, 24.23% THCa, and 26.18% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Hybrid 95

Hybrid Indica Trichome Terpenes 95

Illinois News Joint

MAY 4, 2024

The strain Super Buff Cherry is having its time in the spotlight with multiple sightings on Illinois menus, and the latest label to drop a cut is craft cultivator One Day. This batch of flower tested at 0.36% Delta 9 THC, 25.69% THCa, and 28.81% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Hybrid 92

Hybrid Trichome Strains Terpenes 92

Illinois News Joint

JUNE 18, 2023

While I’ve become firmly planted in my belief that cannabis is an extremely complex plant and the real secrets to the effects go far beyond simply terpenes and cannabinoids, I’m still fascinated by the consumer fixation with THC. That’s why I still get a kick when we get to add a strain to our “Thirty % Plus” review series.

Trichome 80

Trichome Strains Hybrid Terpenes 80

Illinois News Joint

APRIL 1, 2024

The first strain I chose to review was Smackerz. Delta 9 THC, and 31% THCa. The entire bud was highlighted with a dense trichome frost. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here. Smackerz is an indica leaning hybrid cross of Gorilla Glue and Rozay. This batch of flower tested at 0.03% CBDa, 0.3%

Indica 93

Indica Hybrid Trichome Strains 93

Illinois News Joint

JANUARY 21, 2024

Blue Dream was the first strain name I learned and asked for (but rarely found) because I preferred its effects to everything else I’d been smoking. Even though I had not smoked Blue Dream in more than a decade, legalization in Illinois has now made finding the strain as easy as stopping in nuEra Urbana for an eighth of Blue Dream by nuEra.

Sativa 90

Sativa Strains Terpenes Trichome 90

Illinois News Joint

APRIL 13, 2024

My mantra when choosing strains these days can be summed up as “less fruit, more funk.” This batch of flower tested at 0.03% CBDa, 0.31% Delta 9 THC, and 28.52% THCa. Thick-orange hairs pushed through a dense milky trichome frost that covered the bright green base bud and purple sugar leaf pieces.

Trichome 88

Trichome Hybrid Strains Events 88

Illinois News Joint

JANUARY 25, 2024

When I review a new batch of releases, I’m usually met with a flood of follow-up recommendations from readers for strains from the same collection. This batch of flower tested at 0.52% THC, 21.19% THCa, and 22.05% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Hybrid 81

Hybrid Strains Trichome Terpenes 81

Illinois News Joint

NOVEMBER 4, 2023

After a couple years covering the product space in the Illinois market, it’s easy to tell which strains are cultivator’s darlings. Don Shula from nuEra , which has been featured at multiple events and is the label’s sole entry in the High Times Cannabis Cup Sativa Flower category, is a perfect example.

Sativa 85

Sativa Hybrid Trichome Strains 85

Illinois News Joint

OCTOBER 31, 2023

While Revolution’s genetic library boasts a large variety of experiences, in my mind, Revolution is always associated with the creamy doughy flavor perfected in strains, such as Cookie Crasher. This batch of flower tested at 0.41% THC, 20.19% THCa, and 20.89% total cannabinoids. For more Illinois cannabis industry news, visit here.

Sativa 77

Sativa Trichome Hybrid Research and Development 77

Illinois News Joint

FEBRUARY 10, 2024

During a recent stop at Star Buds Burbank a budtender told me about Grape Jubilee, one of the more indica-leaning strains from Kaviar’s new releases. This batch of flower tested at 1.02% CBGa, 1.138% Delta 9 THC, 24.323% THCa, and 26.481% total cannabinoids. The trichomes were visibly milky but shrouded by sugar leaf remnants.

Indica 92

Indica Hybrid Sleep Trichome 92

Illinois News Joint

JANUARY 4, 2024

One of the more interesting strain runs of 2023 was watching as Revolution honed in the Cookies’ genetic lineup with some of the brand’s well-known strains, such as Georgia Pie and Red Velvet. This batch of flower tested at 0.63% THC, 29.46% THCa, and 30.94% total cannabinoids. For more Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

Trichome 86

Trichome Strains Hybrid Terpenes 86

Illinois News Joint

NOVEMBER 11, 2023

Every time I check the menu, I see new Kaviar strains. This batch of flower tested at 0.97% THC, 25.32% THCa, and 26.29% total cannabinoids. WEPAs indica label was spot on as the fast-hitting strain induced a fog that overtook my awareness and induced a carefree attitude by the end of my joint. Take Kaviar for example.

Indica 84

Indica Hybrid Trichome Strains 84

Illinois News Joint

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

As the cannabis industry matures and starts to take itself more seriously, one area that I hope never gets too “grown up” is the tendency for breeders to still have fun when naming strains. I picked up an eighth of the strain to review. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Hybrid 80

Hybrid Trichome Strains Indica 80

Illinois News Joint

MAY 15, 2023

In the ever-evolving world of cannabis, it’s hard to ignore the magnetic pull of hype strains. One strain commanding attention across the industry is Jealousy, crowned as Strain of the Year in 2022. This batch of flower tested at 1.24% THC, 25.24% THCa, and 26.48% total cannabinoids.

Strains 90

Strains Trichome Indica Hybrid 90

Illinois News Joint

OCTOBER 23, 2023

This batch of flower tested at 1.66% CBGa, 0.89% THC, 29.75% THCa, and 32.31% total cannabinoids. ILNJ photo A singular large pointed flower carried undertones of bright turf green, supporting outreaching fire orange hairs and a layer of trichomes that had just turned milky. For more Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

Trichome 78

Trichome Sativa Hybrid Terpenes 78

Illinois News Joint

JUNE 28, 2023

One of my favorite features about Revolution Cannabis’ recent collaboration with Cookies has been the unique strains combining great genetics from both brands’ lineups. Georgia Collider is such a strain, released under Revolution’s Tales & Travels brand, so I picked up a sample from Enlightened Mount Prospect to review.

Strains 82

Strains Hybrid Trichome Terpenes 82

Illinois News Joint

OCTOBER 15, 2023

This week, the new craft grow team at IC Collective dropped five new strains as part of its Illinois launch. Of course, I chose to review first the strain most likely to fit our Work Sativa series, Cali Sour. This eighth tested at 0.83% THC, 27.38% THCa, and 28.21% total cannabinoids.

Collective 100

Collective Sativa Trichome Strains 100

Illinois News Joint

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

That’s why I take a particular interest anytime I find his namesake strain on a dispensary menu. This batch of flower tested at 1.76% THC, 26.23% THCa, and 27.99% total cannabinoids. Jack Herer is one of the quintessential sativa strains, and this cut was a good representation of the cultivar.

Trichome 64

Trichome Sativa Strains Hybrid 64

Illinois News Joint

DECEMBER 9, 2023

NuEra recently took home the 2023 Cannabis Cup for Cobra Milk , so I jumped at the chance to sample the strain when I found it under the company’s Interstate 420 brand. This batch of flower tested at 0.424% CBGa, 0.458% THC, 19.36% THCa, and 20.242% total cannabinoids. Overall, Cobra Milk was best fit for the end of the day.

Indica 96

Indica Hybrid Trichome Terpenes 96

Illinois News Joint

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

While it’s great to develop a list of tried and true strains that work for you, the real adventure of modern cannabis is constantly sampling new genetics that may provide new flavors and experiences. I’m always looking for new strain names when I’m at the dispensary. I picked up a sample to see what the strain had to offer.

Strains 87

Strains Trichome Research and Development Hybrid 87

Illinois News Joint

DECEMBER 5, 2023

93 Boyz has tapped into big name strains such as Jet Fuel and Gary Payton for its genetic library, so it’s no surprise to see the label putting out a cut of Gelonade. This batch of flower tested at 0.76% Delta 9 THC, 25.11% THCa, and 26.19% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Sativa 103

Sativa Trichome Hybrid Terpenes 103

Illinois News Joint

JUNE 16, 2023

While the correlation between terpenes and the effects of certain strains is still debated, there is no doubt that strains with higher terpene levels are more fragrant and flavorful. This batch of flower tested at 0.77% Delta-9-THC and 22.14% THCa. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Terpenes 86

Terpenes Strains Hybrid Trichome 86

Illinois News Joint

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Ozone has a new batch of strains hitting menus, so I picked up a few samples from Ascend Horizon Drive to review, starting with Kush and Cream. This batch of flower tested at 0.01% THC, 23.912% THCa, and 24.48% total cannabinoids. The name of the strain may be Kush and Cream, but the flavor profile was all cream then kush.

Indica 84

Indica Trichome Strains Hybrid 84

Illinois News Joint

JANUARY 9, 2024

It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a new strain from the team at Progressive Treatment Solutions , so when I spotted a new drop from the company’s Paul Bunyan label, I was instantly intrigued. This batch of flower tested at 1.38% CBGa, 0.48% Delta 9 THC, 23.13% THCa, and 24.99% total cannabinoids.

Trichome 86

Trichome Indica Hybrid Terpenes 86

Illinois News Joint

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

I’ve often written about the power of genetic lineages as a way to connect with strains that work for personal needs. That was what attracted me to 93 Boyz’ entry for the High Times Sativa Flower Cannabis Cup , Jet Fuel, as the strain combines two personal favorites from my days in Colorado, High Country Diesel and Aspen OG.

Sativa 91

Sativa Trichome Strains Hybrid 91

Illinois News Joint

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Despite claiming the 3rd largest legal cannabis market in America, Illinois has relatively few “signature” strains. This batch of flower tested at 0.47% THC, 24.58% THCa, and 25.05% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here. Fox River Chem is a hybrid Chemdog cross.

Collective 87

Collective Hybrid Trichome Strains 87

Illinois News Joint

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Rythm has tapped into this strategy with several strains. Recently, I spotted Animal Face, a strain bred by Seed Junky Genetics , on the menu at Rise Effingham , so I stopped in and picked up a sample. This batch of flower tested at 1.46% THC, 30.83% THCa, and 32.29% total cannabinoids.

Indica 86

Indica Hybrid Trichome Strains 86

Illinois News Joint

APRIL 6, 2023

Despite the persistent consumer demand for high-testing strains, the supply of high-THC flower on the Illinois market has dwindled significantly. In fact, our Thirty % Plus THC review series, which used to receive reviews monthly, only featured four entries in 2022. For more Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

Indica 83

Indica Strains Trichome Hybrid 83

Illinois News Joint

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Thankfully, The Botanist has more than one “strawberry strain” in its new genetic lineup. This batch of flower tested at 0.58% THC, 28.54% THCa, and 30.14% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here. I picked up the label’s Bloom Ztrawberriez #12 to see how it stacked up.

Hybrid 94

Hybrid Trichome Terpenes Strains 94

Illinois News Joint

AUGUST 13, 2023

While I may complain about a lack of infused baked goods at Illinois dispensaries, there’s no shortage of strains named after baked goods. Interested in what the craft label is bringing to market with the cookie-heavy strain, I picked up a sample to review. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Indica 85

Indica Hybrid Trichome Strains 85

Illinois News Joint

MAY 11, 2023

Apple Fritter is one of those strains that has become so popular in recent years that it seems to be everywhere. This batch of flower tested at 0.134% THCVa, 0.274% CBCa, 0.410 CBGa, 1.162% Delta 9 THC, 25.122% THCa, and 27.102% total cannabinoids. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Trichome 102

Trichome Strains Hybrid Terpenes 102

Illinois News Joint

MARCH 30, 2023

The rich, hashy, and skunky flavors of old school cannabis strains will always have a special place in my heart. In a world where candy- and cookie-flavored strains get so much attention, there’s still a lot the “classics” can offer. Delta-9-THC, 23.41% THCa, and 24.81% total cannabinoids. This batch of flower tested at 0.3%

Hash 94

Hash Indica Strains Trichome 94

Illinois News Joint

MAY 12, 2024

This batch of flower tested at 0.55% THC, 28.77% THCa, and 29.32% total cannabinoids. Core coloration of bright-turf green was almost entirely shrouded by deep-purple pieces of sticky-sugar leaf and an amber-trichome frost concentrated at the creases. To learn more about cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

Trichome 98

Trichome Indica Hybrid Sativa 98

Illinois News Joint

JULY 1, 2023

Certain strain names come with expectations attached. This batch of flower tested at 1.35% THC, 23.48% THCa, and 24.83% total cannabinoids. The trichomes still had some sparkle when held to the light and had just started the transition from milky to amber, lending a yellow-green hue to the overall color.

Sativa 87

Sativa Trichome Strains Hybrid 87

Illinois News Joint

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

By building collabs around single strains instead of entire labels, Cookies is allowed to experiment more than other companies that pour more resources into single bets. Cookies recently brought the strain to Illinois through its collaboration with Revolution Cannabis so I headed up to Enlightened Mount Prospect and picked up a sample.

Trichome 80

Trichome Strains Hybrid Collective 80

Illinois News Joint

MARCH 25, 2023

As an insomniac, I pay special attention to strains that promise a heavy indica experience. This batch of flower tested at 0.61% THC, 24.61% THCa, and 25.21% total cannabinoids. ILNJ photo Large, dense nugs were dark forest green with small splashes of pink and coated with a creamy amber trichome veil.

Indica 93

Indica Sleep Strains Trichome 93