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If you want your dispensary to not even carry what’s listed on the “live menu”, employees (I refuse to even call them budtenders) that are so unknowledgeable that they seem to have just started smoking weed yesterday, and an environment that makes you feel like you’re in Walmart—Then this is your place! Also corporation owned (Cresco), terrible environment sustainability practices, and yuppie clientele—if any of that matters to you. I’ve been to every iteration of this Sunnyside location and every time I’m more than disappointed. Would never go back again even if they gave out free weed.

Comes on very gently with a pleasantly mellow creeper effect. I feel minimal to no physical effects from Layer Cake, but a gentle, uplifting cerebral feeling. It has significant anxiety and depression relieving qualities, making it a functional all day strain for treating said conditions as well as other similar ailments. It doesn’t hit you super hard or blast you off into space, so I’d recommend it for those using it for medicinal purposes rather than recreation. I think it’s safe to say that beginners to cannabis as well as those who are more experienced and looking for alternatives to anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications will find this strain very helpful and pleasant. Zero anxiety/paranoia for me, which I’m prone to even after being a cannabis user of 15 years. Smooth flavorful smoke, although I can’t quite place the flavor. It has a similar smoothness/sweetness that most cookies strains have, but without the vanilla-y sweetness. But others say it has a more pungent type of flavor. The lineage of the Layer Cake by GTI/Rhythm that I have is Seed Junky Genetics’ Wedding Cake crossed with Swamp Boy Seeds’ Triangle Kush Skunk/GMO cut. It’s testing between 17%-24% THC from my dispensary in IL. My batch was around 24%. Only 4.5/5 from me because I would like a little bit more of a creativity-inducing effect, but it’s definitely one of my new favorite everyday-all day strains and will always be on hand in my stash.

Let me preface this by saying that I’m not a “sativa” person as many sativa dominant strains usually exacerbate my anxiety. I also don’t consider myself a fan of “diesel strains”. However, G6/Jet Fuel is one of the only sativa dominant strains I can smoke without going into an anxiety attack, which is especially useful for me for when I need a daytime medicine to combat my severe depression without making my anxiety worse. Review: G6 has a deliciously sweet, musky cherry aroma with slight cherry/berry overtones and I suppose what is considered a diesel-y smell (although I don’t really get that even as someone who loves the smell of diesel fumes). It has a pleasant clean eucalyptus and pine taste that is very refreshing. In low to moderate doses, I feel my body slightly tingle and my muscles release tension. Gradually afterward, the head high starts to take effect and the body feels relaxed but not lazy. Depression and anxiety are gently swept away continuously for the next 30+ mins as the heady effects become more pronounced. This is very useful for people prone to anxiety because you don’t just blast off after a couple hits, it’s more of a gentle creep that is easily adjusted to. I am not a talkative person, but after smoking G6, I feel very willing and comfortable talking to people. I actually prefer talking, and feel like a “normal person” as far as my conversational habits are concerned. Very clear-head, not hazy or foggy at all except at higher doses. Useful for creativity and focus although not my preferred strain for that (Kosher Tangie). Verano/Goldleaf G6: THC: 29.767%

L.A. Cheese is one of my favorite strains & would likely be appreciated most by those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or who want a gentle cerebral stimulation encouraging creativity. I’ve used this strain in both flower & Live Sugar from Cresco. When smoking flower, the flavor & aroma is extremely smooth, creamy, & cheesy in the most pleasant way possible. The live sugar had more of a spicy, floral taste & aroma. Similar effects are experienced with both although the concentrate is slightly more sedative. The come-up is gentle & relaxing but not couch-lock or anxiety inducing. Very subtle, relaxing physical effects present themselves along with a relaxed, clear headed mindset, without being sedating. This is my go-to for when I’m feeling especially anxious, depressed, going out in social situations, or when my creativity needs a nudge to get going. This review does not do this strain justice. It’s very nuanced and pleasant, & I highly recommend trying this if you come across it.

Overview: Picked up some “Reserva Privada” by Cresco Reserve. From what I understand, it is an OG #18 backcross, as Cresco also offers an OG #18 option. Like a lot of my favorite medicinal strains, RP has a potent, effective, yet “unobtrusive” effect that is relaxing & uplifting but not sedating. The effects ease in gently, even when dabbing, & last for quite awhile at a pleasant level. RP will leave you with a clear-headed, focused, and relaxed experience with a gentle euphoric cerebral stimulation that’s great for creativity/relaxation/entertainment while relieving anxiety & depression. Flavor: Very tasty. Fresh-squeezed sugary lemonade at first with a finish of lime & hint of pine in the background all with a floral-like lightness. Scent: Good. Not mind blowing, but it does have an enjoyable lemon-pine forward scent as opposed to some other more pungent or earthy OG phenos. Summary: RP has probably beat Ghost OG as my favorite OG Kush pheno and has definitely made its way into my top favorite strains due to its gentle but effective ability to eliminate anxiety & depression without sedation. It has also helped me cut down my anxiety medication & alcohol intake as it eases my anxiety similarly to alcohol but without the inebriation, allowing me to keep a clear head as well as focus my mind creatively. Great all day strain, morning or night. Very versatile & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those trying to combat anxiety while still remaining functional. Also great for treating depression and PTSD. Reserve by Cresco Reserva Privada Live Sugar THC:1.987%, THCA: 83.013%, CBD/A:0%, Total: 85%

Overview: It’s pretty hard for me to dislike most strains, especially indica or indica dominant varieties, except if they give me anxiety, as I’m very prone to paranoia/anxiety due to my PTSD related anxiety/depression/etc. However, I am not much of a fan of Kubbie Kush at all. I can’t imagine most people really wanting to spend money on Kubbie Kush even in a medical cannabis setting. Disclaimer: If you are looking at this for recreational purposes, don’t even bother. Medicinal Value: I’m a medical cannabis patient and still only see the value in Kk as an extremely mildly psychoactive and moderately effective, semi clear-headed anti-anxiety treatment. I struggle with anxiety almost more than anything and I will say this should definitely be something you should try if you struggle with any kind of anxiety (general, social, etc.) but still want to be functioning and not feel especially “high”. However, I was recommended this for my insomnia and lucid nightmares but it DOES NOT make me especially sedated or tired. That may also contribute to my bias against Kk, but it’s just not a very complex or interesting experience and really only helps with anxiety and maybe very minor pain or minor sleeplessness. Good News: Aroma: It does smell and taste fantastic. The aroma is Ike a pile of lemon drops surrounded by freshly picked sage/pine, and a slight peppery/herbally sprinkling on a floral bed. Flavor/Terpenes: The flavor is similar to the aroma, except with a focus on the floral, citrus, and peppery aspects. This makes me believe the main terpenes in this strain are limonene, terpinolene, a-pinene, b-caryophyllene and probably myrcene as most other strains. I unfortunately did not receive the terpene profile so I’m just guessing based on scent/flavor/experience/my brain chemistry, so it may differ slightly for you. Conclusion: Good if you’re looking for a mild, flavorful, aromatic experience or to ease anxiety without too much sedation or foggy-headedness. Not so good if using recreationally, or for insomnia, pain, and other many other ailments I would assume. Cresco Kubbie Kush Live Sugar 1.5g THC 5.266%, THCA 63.325%, CBD/A 0%, TOTAL 69.59%

Summary Before Consuming: I’m writing part of this before smoking tonight because this strain will KNOCK YOU OUT. I’ve suffered from insomnia & non-stop lucid nightmares every night for 2 years now. I’ve seen “sleep specialists”, therapists, psychiatrists, & have exhausted all options of medications to try to mitigate this problem. I’ve either been told there’s nothing wrong with me, or have received medications with terrible side effects that don’t even help. Enter Northern Lights #5: For the first time in literally years I was able to sleep without using alcohol & without having constant nightmares, & woke up earlier than usual before my alarm refreshed rather than in the middle of an anxiety attack which f-cks up the entire day in addition to making my pre-existing anxiety/depression even worse. Cannabis has already helped with my sleeping issues but Northern Lights has been the most effective. One hit from my vape pen last night & after a woody, earthy, clean hit I immediately felt my body tingle & muscles relax with a borderline psychedelic head-in-the-clouds mental relaxation as well. The need to sleep sets in almost instantly & I fall asleep in minutes. If you suffer from insomnia or any sleep disorders I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Northern Lights. Also melts away my major depression & anxiety disorders. I imagine it would work very well for those dealing with pain at night as well. The only caveat I have with it is that at such a high THC percentage (89.9% Liquid Live Resin Cartridge) and no CBD in the batch I had, it does occasionally make me a bit paranoid/anxious when I take that first hit and blast off. But that usually subsides as it starts to settle into my system. After Consumption Summary: On exhale from one hit, whole body is glued to bed. There’s no getting up. All stress is gone instantly. Body & head are tingling very pleasantly. A few minutes later, I’m totally relaxed & will be falling asleep shortly. Northern Lights #5 Liquid Live Resin Cartridge by Cresco Reserve: THC-82.896%, THCA-6.014% CBD-0% Total: 89.91%

Snow Lotus is probably my new favorite strain for medicinal purposes, especially anxiety. I’ve suffered from severe anxiety & depression rooting from both genetics as well as PTSD for the entirety of my adult life. This has been so helpful in gently but swiftly calming my anxiety & lifting me out of depression without sedating me. I feel like myself finally, without constantly finding something to worry about or bother me. I feel very clear-headed and very emotionally/psychologically balanced in that I’m not overly sensitive but I’m also not at all apathetic. I am able to more easily access my creativity & maintain a focus without forgetting what I was just thinking about or doing (this is important to me as I am an artist that relies on my work for income). My senses are heightened enough without any associated anxiety which allows music/art/socializing to be more enjoyable. Very earthy, slight chemical taste with a hint of lemon. Pretty refreshing and smooth, even though it’s not my absolute favorite tasting strain (Durban Cookies). HIGHLY Recommended for those with general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, alcoholism/substance dependency but I can’t speak much to any other ailments or disorders. Usually I’m hesitant to smoke because I don’t want to be high and become anxious, but this is a very gentle but effective strain for those with anxiety. Cresco Liquid Live Resin Cartridge-Snow Lotus: THC-80.920%, THCA-5.728%, CBD-0.0% Total-86.648%

Summary Before Consuming: I’m writing part of this before smoking tonight because this strain will KNOCK YOU OUT. I’ve suffered from insomnia & non-stop lucid nightmares every night for 2 years now. I’ve seen “sleep specialists”, therapists, psychiatrists, & have exhausted all options of medications to try to mitigate this problem. I’ve either been told there’s nothing wrong with me, or have received medications with terrible side effects that don’t even help. Enter cannabis-For the first time literally in years I was able to sleep without using alcohol & without having constant nightmares, & wake up earlier than usual before my alarm, refreshed rather than in the middle of an anxiety attack which f-cks up the entire day in addition to making my pre-existing anxiety/depression even worse. Cannabis has already helped with my sleeping issues but Northern Lights has been the most effective. One hit from my vape pen last night & after a woody, earthy, clean hit I immediately felt my body tingle & muscles relax with a borderline psychedelic head-in-the-clouds mental relaxation as well. The need to sleep sets in almost instantly & I fall asleep in minutes. If you suffer from insomnia or any sleep disorders I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Northern Lights. Also melts away my major depression & anxiety disorders. I imagine it would work very well for those dealing with pain at night as well. After Consumption Summary: On exhale from one hit, whole body is glued to bed. There’s no getting up. All stress is gone instantly. Body & mind are tingly. A few minutes later, I’m totally relaxed & will be falling asleep shortly. Northern Lights #5 Liquid Live Resin Cartridge by Cresco Reserve: THC-82.896%, THCA-6.014% CBD-0% Total: 89.91%

I almost feel bad giving this 3 stars considering everyone’s seemingly great experiences with this strain, but it wasn’t mind blowing or particularly medicinally effective for me and I usually love whatever I try from Cresco. First of all, KT Dawg has a very unique and distinct flavor that you’ll probably either love or hate. The best way I can describe it is like raw mushrooms (not the magic kind). I like mushrooms so I don’t mind, but my friend was a little put off by it. I was using it hoping to treat my PTSD/Depression/Anxiety throughout the day while still being able to function. It did an okay job of that, but made me feel more apathetic than happy. Also, I found myself drifting off into an anxious, negatively introspective mindset often. It’s a nicely balanced strain with a fairly unique high. I don’t have really anything else nice or potentially useful to say. If you want to try something similar but far better, I would suggest Snow Lotus.