Strain of the Month: Albino Kush

In my search for great cannabis that exhibits the character of its soil and location, the most logical place to begin is with a grower who uses our available resources before relying on outside input. The ideal craft plant is grown in real soil amended to best suit the crop with ingredients sourced close to home, such as local compost and rock powders instead of commercial “bagged blends.” Neal from Lazy Bee Gardens in the Methow Valley recently told me that no one there is a fan of chemical farming. “Nutrient systems make all weed taste like said nutrient line,” he shared. “Plants need healthy soil to extract the nutrients they desire, not replacement diets.” These systems, currently the industry standard, can detract from the terroir that the plant derives from native soil. ”We have zero interest in indoor production, and hope the industry eventually sheds this aspect and brings the majority of plants outside,” Neal said. Plus, using the sun and available ground makes sense in terms of cost efficiency. “We don’t waste energy gassing with CO2 or deal with air filtration, heating, cooling and other tech issues that burden indoor producers,” he said. Add light deprivation and an integrated pest management system, and you have a product that should satisfy a needed reduction in energy use and fewer toxins. Appearance: Pale grey green, looking rather dusty. Upon closer look, the bud was dry and hard, with practically all traces of leaf removed. Aroma: The relatively high amount of caryophellene offered an unmistakable floral scent of white pepper, which was pleasing, but that was it. Due to the extreme dryness of the bud, I believe the other terpenes had deteriorated. Effects: After a few hits of the dry spicy smoke, the feeling comes on slowly. Once aware of the change coming, you realize that everything has been transformed into a perfect synchronicity. Albino Kush would seem a good choice to relieve anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory for sore muscles. It provided an enjoyable 4-hour high with a good increase in appetite, but seemed a little one-dimensional in its overall effects. Even though Albino Kush wasn’t what I consider top-notch I don’t see it to be associated with Lazy Bee’s growing practices: I predict the flaw being somewhere in the supply chain. Perhaps this batch got lost in the shuffle at the retail end or had an inadequate package seal. As many growers know, you can do the finest job at production, but that doesn’t guarantee excellence at the consumer end.