Initial Thoughts Reviewing edibles is always such a fun thing to do. It’s not exactly like doing a strain sampling where the answers to all your questions are available within a few minutes, as the smoke hits you significantly faster. This you already know. Edibles metabolize through the digestive system and the liver, and since they are in a solid form to begin with, this can take a while. That’s why soft chewy candies are so popular as a vehicle for THC. And in this case, it is Jellies which carry the cannabinoids down into your body. When I cracked the jar and saw these unique MOTA jelly candies staring back at me with all of their glory, I knew that I had about 35 minutes before I was gonna be floating around the house. Appearance These edibles are like little colorful jewels in an elegant jar. There are four different flavors, each in a different bright and vibrant color. They looked like emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and yellow diamonds of the 44 karat variety. Worthy of discussion is their packaging. Very clearly labeled so theres no question how much you are consuming. Each jelly is 25mg for a total of 200mg in the jar. Status Fresh. Plain and simple. There is an expiration date on the label and that lets me know these are good to go. No stale candy here, only soft and chewy deliciousness with a different texture than your average cannabis gummy. No wonder they call them "jellies". Flavor So the big test for me is to shut my eyes while I am chewing them and see if I can in fact taste a flavor that corresponds with the color, which we all know is supposed to represent a flavor. So that being said, the yellow tasted like lemon, the blue were definitely blue raspberry, the green was distinctly lime, and the red had a fruit punch flavor. The next thing to note for these Jellies is that they had just the right amount of weed taste. At 25mg each, these are on the average side for me and the herbal flavor was not overpowering. It was definitely present, which I actually find reassuring. Weed candies should taste, at least, a little like weed, right? Cannabinoid Origin These jellies are made with a Cat3 distillate which is the name given to pure refined distillate that has been triple filtered for purity. It makes for an especially clean product, which is no surprise given that nothing but the best goes into Mota edibles. Effects I found the effects of these jellies to be exactly what I was looking for. They were relatively fast acting with an onset of 35 minutes and they lasted throughout the night: I took them, at 5pm and by 545 I was fully floating. I purposely hadn’t smoked on this day so that I could have a blank slate for a truer test. Knowing that one single 25mg could provide “some” effect, I wanted to see what 100mg would do for me. I am a daily smoker and dabber but not a daily edibles user, so I expected to have a sensation at this level. This was an understatement. Before long I was floating so high and so hard I had trouble getting up to go to the bathroom. I've heard of people having trippy feelings on edibles, and I did not experience any hallucinations that I'm aware of, but I did felt like I was on the edge of a psilocybin trip for some time. I wasn’t looking to have a breakthrough experience on this day, but 100mg was enough to bring me quite close and then faded into a very relaxed evening where I eventually slept like a rock. Conclusion If you are looking for a sleep assist, these will work. If you are looking to have a laughter fest, these will work for that too. If you want to split a pack of gummies with a friend or three, these should do just fine depending on their tolerance levels (ALWAYS go low and eat slow). I gotta say, I love them. Frankly, I just ran out and I'm heading to No Kids Allowed to get some more tomorrow for sure. Elegant in design with beautiful packaging and an even more beautiful product, MOTA is gaining popularity in the DMV for all the right reasons. You can catch them at all the storefronts listed on their page here and when you do don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!

Initial Thoughts This batch of Truffle Kush from DC i-71 delivery team, District Organics, is quite impressive visually and from an olfactory perspective. It's highly exotic with neon green and bright purples amidst heavy white and starry trichomes. A seasoned cannabis enthusiast can immediately tell this is something quite special. Appearance Fluffy buds with Purple and neon green coloration and immense trichome coverage. Status Fresh, but beginning to cure. Aroma Kushy, skunky, and fruity with earthy undertones. Flavor Skunky and earthy with fruity accents that are reminiscent of grape. Lineage Truffle Kush is a cross of Gelato and Chocolate Kush that leans indica dominant. Effects A great evening smoke that possesses powerful euphoric effects similar to other potent Kush varietals. This is your classic heavy indica buzz with tingles, gleeful disorientation, dreamy sedation, and immensely calming effects. Within seconds you can literally feel every muscle in your body give up and say, "Aaahhhhh" with the relief from tension and stress provided by this wonderful strain. Conclusion Indica lovers will only be cheating themselves if they fail to pickup some of this spectacular Truffle Kush immediately. It's one of the sexiest, most potent batches of the year so far and you won't want to miss out on filling your coffers to the brim while you can. Just hit up District Organics today to place your order and don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!

*A note from the editor: We're so excited to begin our series of reviews from local cannabis industry professionals with this wonderfully written post from Takoma Wellness Center Patient Consultant and University of Maryland Cannabis Science & Therapeutics Master's Degree student, Christian Xavier Calhoun. We hope you enjoy! I think many of us may be able to think back to a time when as early Tokers, we looked at our peers in the middle of a session and asked them: “Hey…did this hit you the same as me?” As we watched our friends nod their heads uncoordinatedly in agreement, with carefree smirks and their cheekbones perched high, you could not help but wonder: “What was this strain called again?” You watch in anticipation as one of your friends digs into the same back jean pocket repeatedly, only to finally reach into their coat and grab a Ziploc bag holding the last nug. On it, written in black Sharpie, would be a name that you all would never forget, and still fills many with nostalgia and excitement to this day: “Blue Dream.” Blue Dream from Abatin and currently available at Takoma Wellness Center dispensary in Washington DC is a fantastic phenotype of this old classic. The buds are dense and break down incredibly well. If you are someone who often uses their hands instead of a grinder, you will appreciate Abatin’s thorough curing process. As dense as the buds were, they felt far from dry. Abatin expertly preserves the terpenes to a point where the moment you open the bag, it feels like your nose has entered an oceanic forest of pine trees. This essential oil known as pinene is something noticed slightly after the inhale, as it gently kisses the tongue and fills your cheeks with a pleasant and almost static-like sensation. Blue Dream worked wonders at creating a blissful band of ease and keeping the mind from racing to unwanted territories. All the stress and anxiety of the day evaporated, and I could feel its Haze genetics gently easing tension around the temples. Unlike many other Sativa hybrids, it was wonderful at alleviating pain and tension around my shoulders and back. There was a heavy comfort encircling problem areas, yet I felt motivated and present throughout the entire experience without any indica-like sedation. This batch left me feeling light on my feet, and it was rounded enough to give me the option of switching between being focused or basking in its cloudy euphoria. It also seemed to make it easier to combat internal conflicts and find more peace in the environments around me. To enjoy some of this Abatin Classic Blue Dream for yourself stop by Takoma Wellness Center ASAP and myself or one of my highly knowledgeable colleagues will be delighted to help you!

Initial Thoughts Known for delivering an electrifying, heady high, Guava, is an awesome premium flower that can currently be found at DC i-71 storefront, The Garden. Guava tends to be more sativa leaning, and can be great for making things that normally seem dull become bouncy, rich and satisfying. Appearance Deep emerald green buds with considerably long and spirited tangerine colored pistils. The trichomes are plentiful on these flowers. Structure The solid, densely packed structure of this strain is broad and slightly rounded, almost heart shaped. Status This batch is at the beginning stages of the cure. Also, the trichomes seem to be favorably crystal-like and milky. Aroma Once I cracked the jar, this guava was the sort of bud that filled up the room with a loud pungent stench. Notes of tropical fruits like mango, guava and pineapple came through along with a rich earthiness. Flavor Fruity with a bit of creamy marshmallow aftertaste. Lineage The Guava cultivar is a sativa dominant phenotype of Gelato bred by the Cookies Fam. Effects It began as a tingling in my fingertips and then quickly a rush of energy began to overtake me. I wish there was a tropical coast around here because I'd love to go swimming and climb some trees with this surge of ambitious energy. Instead, I channelled the energy into cooking a nourishing meal and had focus and energy left to spare. I think tomorrow I will enjoy the rest of this stimulating flower on a sunrise hike. It's amazing that a flower can produce such an uplifting, energetic, cerebral high while also generating such a euphoric feeling in one's body. Conclusion Guava is the right choice for those looking for a daytime sativa to help them float through their day with high energy and focus. It's highly potent, has that fruity gelato-esque flavor for days, and rolls perfectly in a joint paper or blunt wrap. To fill your coffers with some of this amazing Guava just head to The Garden today and don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!

Initial Thoughts: Lately I've been loving this batch of Ice Cream Cake x Animal Mints from DC i-71 delivery team, Top Secret DC. It's such a delicious flavor, smooth toke, and the energy levels have been hitting me just right in these chilly winter days where coziness is clutch. Who says you can't treat yourself to a little Ice Cream when it's cold outside? 🥶 Appearance: These buds are bright green with blue-ish purple flecks and heavy trichomes. Structure: Spear-shaped and dense with a sticky disposition. Status: Beginning to cure. Aroma: Remarkably like ice cream, it's sweet and creamy with hints of mint and fruit. Flavor: Amazing and like the aroma. Very sweet and mouthwatering with smoothness on inhale and exhale. Lineage: As the name implies this is a cross of the Ice Cream Cake and Animal Mints strains that runs balanced at around 50/50 on the indica/sativa ratio. Effects: With a strong heady high and an energetic body buzz I'm stoked partaking in this across the daylight hours. It keeps me calm and cozy, but also focused and ready to engage in activity. Though we don't know the THC levels I would guess they are very high given the intensity and duration. Conclusion: I'll be happily rolling up and burning down on this batch of Ice Cream Cake x Animal Mints, or "ICC" as the team has been affectionately calling it, for days to come. It's really been treating me right and I just can't get over how flavorful and smooth it is. Hit up Top Secret DC today to grab some for your own stashbox. Don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide gave you the scoop! 😂

Initial Thoughts Not only does Evermore have exquisite flower, their concentrate game is also on point and known for delivering quality in many forms. My focus today is on this rechargeable Slyde Disposable Vape which contains a FULL GRAM of concentrate! Personally, I've only seen rechargeable disposables with up to 500 mg in Maryland’s medical dispensaries before, and I can see why this extra filled, all-in-one option would greatly appeal to those in need of something convenient and concealable. Available at Evermore’s Pikesville, Maryland dispensary, The Living Room, this Cherry Runtz version has my taste buds watering just looking at it! 🤤 Appearance With a similar feel to the beloved Dart pod, this disposable vape has a sleek and silky touch to its design. It feels good to hold in the palm of my hand, and has a supportive grip to it as well. The oil itself appears to be a honey color and shines more amber in the light. Functionality This has an accommodating charging port on the bottom so if it happens to run out of battery juice before you've finished the extract, you'll have as long as you'd like to enjoy it at your own pace. There's no need to stress about wasting any product, or worry about opening it up to scoop any remaining oil out. It also comes with a rubber mouthpiece that should be removed for use, but helps keep it lint free your pocket. Aroma This is a relatively odorless product when not actively in use. When using the vape the aroma was something like an orange gummy bear. Flavor Herbal, citrus, and sweet with legit cherry notes and hints of that familiar Runtz tanginess. Right off the bat I was pleasantly surprised by the power of this vape - huge clouds and generous flavor! Lineage Cherry Runtz is a balanced hybrid cross of Runtz and Cherry Pie that runs 50/50 on the indica/sativa ratio. Effects With THC running at 78.6% and total terpenes over 8.3%, the effects of this vape were almost instant. I quickly felt the influence of the 3.6% Limonene across my body and welcomed its waves of positive mental energy. I soon settled into what was an ambient and productive high which kept me on my toes, working and taking care of business like there was no tomorrow, and feeling joyfully uplifted in the process. Conclusion I usually lean more towards flower, but after giving this Cherry Runtz Slyde cart a try I'll be keeping an eye out for them, in this and other flavors, in the future. The delicious flavor, potent uplifting effects, and ease of use without detection make it a go to option for days when I'm medicating away from home. To try them out for your own needs just head to The Living Room in Pikesville, Maryland today, or find them at your local Evermore products purveyor. Either way don't forget to mention you heard about it on Toker's Guide!

Initial Thoughts Everyone has their Top 5 strains that when they see them, they have to pick them up. Purple Punch is on that list for me, so when I saw it at Cannabist in Carytown (Richmond, VA area) it went into my cart immediately. This was actually my first trip to Cannabist and everything about it was great from the parking in the back to the abundance of budtenders ready to help the patients coming in. I was in, grabbed these beautiful purple buds, and rolled out in only about 5 minutes. Once I cracked it open I was pleasantly surprised that this batch came through the VA medical program given just how sexy the buds were.🤩 Good job VA! Appearance These purple zebra-striped buds are hiding in a layer of trichomes that burst off and leave a plethora of dusty kief on the tray when you work them. Bright orange pistils bunch up in groups throughout the buds, and breaking them open reveals a light green trichome covered inside. Structure Dense and uniform. Status Curing, but there are still starry and white trichomes in abundance. Aroma Smells like sweet grapes with hints of cream and earth. Flavor Very similar to the aroma. Surprisingly smooth toking. Lineage Purple Punch is the genetic offspring of Granddaddy Purple and Larry OG. It pulls ideal traits from these two legendary strains and, accordingly, leans heavily indica dominant. Effects After burning a good sized joint in the late evening I began having spurts of happiness and creativity. My mind slowly wandered through this joy land as the heady effects continued to kick in stronger and stronger. My mind was sharp and focused, but only on the task at hand. My extremities slowly became more relaxed as a heavy wave of euphoria washed over my body. After some time, I began getting sleepy and was able to relax into a dazed state until my eyes slowly shut. Conclusion Recently, I feel like I've been spoiled by beautiful purple buds but this gLeaf cultivated Purple Punch tops the charts. The effects are exactly what I look for in an indica dominant strain and smoking it again has only solidified it in my aforementioned Top Five. Be sure to stop in to Cannabist in Carytown for some Purple Punch before they run out - you don't want to miss this one. Be sure to tell them Toker’s Guide sent you when you stop by!

Initial Thoughts: This heavy hitting indica got me excited to curl up for a needed night of rest, cozying up with a tender cup of tea and self care rituals. If you are dealing with pain and in need of something to help manage those ailments, or just to wind down and calm busy thoughts, this could be a good fit for a peaceful evening. Appearance: Dark green, almost black on some parts of the bud. The parent strain White Widow shines through with frosty trichomes. Structure: The dimension and curves within these buff nugs are mild yet crater-like. Status: This strain has been wonderfully cured, with a good moisture content shown by the evident residue on my fingers while grinding it up. Aroma: A musky and piney whiff that is hard to conceal. Once the bag splits, there is no going back until there is a chance to air things out. Flavor: I began to inhale and instantly got a peppery and woody bite. I exhaled some piney and earthy flavors. Lineage: Black Ice is an indica-dominant cross of Black Domina X White Widow originally created by the Spanish breeders known as Moon Seeds. Effects: The sedating body heaviness helped me slow things down and secure a spot to melt away my fleeting stiffness. The onset of these effects took a quick 10 minutes or so to have me hugging my generous warm fuzzy blanket. Drifting to dreamland doesn't sound too hard to do after smoking some of this sleepy bud. I found myself very thirsty and my eyes were drying out rapidly, urging them to bat close. Conclusion: If you're looking for a strain to help mellow your body out and potentially help with pain and insomnia, this could lend a giving hand. While I'm usually on the lookout for black ice out of fright, i'll be looking out for this Black Ice with eagerness because it's such a delight. Just head to Elevated Lounge today to find some for yourself. Their staff are always openhearted and willing to direct you to their best strains. Don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!

Initial Thoughts: This "Zugatti" from DC i-71 cannabis storefront Flight Pass represents the latest trend of exotic cannabis hybrids that are rising in popularity. It's an "ultra-hybrid" designed and created by a west coast cultivator who’s identity is still shrouded in mystery. Similar in name to a famous sports car which is equally as exotic and unique, this Zugatti is powerful and luxurious with effects that indica lovers will surely appreciate. Appearance: These round buds are tightly packed and covered with a layer of trichomes that sparkle in the light. Status: Beginning to cure. Aroma: There's a heavy aroma of fruity, creamy funk with a hint of pine. It's reminiscent of some strong OG Kushes that I've had over the years. Flavor: Notes of pine, coffee, hazelnut and spices. Very complex, but definitely mouthwatering. Lineage: Flight Pass describes their Zugatti as an Indica hybrid dominated by traits similar to Do-Si-Dos and OG Kush. There also appear to be some Runtz involved as well and the fruitiness in the aroma is very familiar in that regard. My colleague's esteemed (lol) guess is that this is likely "Dosi-Runtz", originally cultivated by the mysterious Zugatti. Effects: I found the effects of this flower to be joy inducing and immensely relaxing. I was stoned, but functional and felt some creative vibes as well. It created a calm and carefree mindset and, without much disorientation, I was still able to knock out a few items on the at-my-desk to-do list with ease. Though I liked it for afternoon use, I think most would probably agree that it's best saved for more sedentary activities or evening time. Conclusion: I give this Zugatti a big stamp of approval. It was flavorful and very potent, but wasn't too overpowering and didn't make me drowsy. To me, it was fuel for the soul and just the relaxed, stoney buzz I was looking for to calm my bones. To grab some Zugatti for yourself zoom over to Flight Pass today. Be sure to let them know that Toker’s guide sent you!

Initial Thoughts: This batch of Dog Walker OG from DC craft cultivators Alternative Solutions (Alt Sol), and available at Takoma Wellness Center dispensary, is a stellar example of this cultivar. They've taken a strain famous for it's unique and exotic flavor, and optimized it in terms of potency and effects. The result is gorgeous flower that's mega pungent and immensely powerful. Appearance: Pale green and covered in starry trichomes with burnt orange hairs. Status: Fresh, but starting to cure. Aroma: A strangely delicious and highly exotic combination of muskiness, pinesol, and skunk. Some say the strain reminds them of the "wet dog" smell, but I don't get anything close to that. Flavor: Skunky, earthy, and pine with an aftertaste that Chemdawg tokers will find familiar. Lineage: Dog Walker OG is an indica dominant cross of Albert Walker and Chemdawg 91 that runs 80/20 on the indica/sativa ratio. Effects: The effects are prototypical for an indica-leaning OG or Kush. There's a strange mixture of heaviness and floating at the same time as the euphoric body buzz calms seemingly every nerve in your body. Meditation, rest, and deep sleep are easily obtained and I noticed feelings of great relief both mentally and physically. With the sedative nature this one possesses she's best left for evening hours, and don't expect to have much motivation to walk your dog, despite the name. 🐩 Conclusion: We're big fans of Dog Walker OG and psyched that Alt Sol have rolled out this tremendously potent batch of it. To check out their phenomenal local spin on this classic OG for yourself just head to Takoma Wellness Center today, and don't forget to tell them you heard about it on Toker's Guide!

Initial Thoughts: I've been getting more and more into tincture lately and this has mostly been around sativa specific applications, but this MOTA tincture came across my desk and, I must say, it's a great option to have on hand. In fact, at this potency level (1000mg - 50mg/ml), a half dropper under my tongue in the middle of the night had me feeling the onset in about 40 minutes - and it was straight to outer space from there. 🚀 Appearance: Black, durable packaging with a graduated dropper and nearly translucent, slightly golden oil. Flavor: Sort of a generic cannabis flavor in oil form. There's no alcohol so it doesn't burn. I may have detected some hints of pepper, but that could have been my imagination. Lineage: In this case lineage is irrelevant because the goal is the delivery of highly pure and concentrated distillate with THC and none of the terpene-related or entourage effects. Effects: This is THC as an edible in its most bare or naked - you might say - state. There are no sugars, yeasts, salts, herbs, spices, or other ingredients to impact the effects. With that in mind, what I felt was the onset of a funny, fuzzy-like euphoria beginning in the back of my head and slowly reverberating around my body. With it comes release and relief where the pre-existing pain's existence is only a memory as comforting vibes wash over you. It doesn't take much, especially for those who are new or have low tolerances, so start low and go slow. Sometimes it can even take hours to come on, but it's worth the wait to not go overboard. Yes, a slow and gently intensifying, but soft, body buzz with an easy mindscape are want you want. These things are easily achieved with this MOTA tincture in ever so minuscule amounts. Conclusion: To put the pipe aside for a while - or even for good - give this MOTA tincture a try and watch it surprise you with its ability to recreate the same effects with less and for longer duration. Head to Top Level DC today to check out this and the rest of the MOTA line of products. Don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!

Initial Thoughts: This Monkey Bread from DC cannabis delivery service, The Gift Givers, is a batch of delectable decadence and mesmerizing potency that indica lovers will surely enjoy. The first whiff makes you turn your head a little wondering what the sweet, floral aroma you just caught was. Another inhale and your nose has adjusted enough to let you know there are sugary chocolate notes emanating from these frosty purple buds as well.🍫 Appearance: Deep purple with flecks of green and a heavy layer of frosty trichomes. Status: Fresh, but starting to cure. Aroma: Sweet, minty, floral, and bready with hints of chocolate and cream. Flavor: Minty, bready, and earthy with chocolate notes. Lineage: Monkey Bread is a cross of Grease Monkey and Forum Cut Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) that runs indica dominant at 70/30. It's known for its insanely delicious flavor and heavily relaxing effects. Effects: With heavy indica euphoria and sedation hitting this Monkey Bread is sort of like my memories of toking Lebanese hash. It's so intoxicatingly potent that it's trance inducing and psychedelic in its cerebral high, while also ushering in a floating sense of calm across every inch of my body. This is a heavy, heavy buzz and should be reserved for evening use or achieving a restful state. Conclusion: These gorgeous indica flowers have awesome flavor and enough potency to knock even the most seasoned toker down (on the couch). To grab some for your own stash box don't monkey around, hit up The Gift Givers ASAP. Don't forget to tell them Toker's Guide sent you!