Latest Posts

Packaging

Packaging should be eye-catching and, more importantly, strong enough to last many uses.

Concerning design, a vape cartridge package should contain impressive artwork and unique designs that let a customer know which brand it is. From there, the package needs to protect the product inside and be easy enough to open without diminishing its childproofing. To strike a happy medium, we recommend choosing a vape cartridge that considers light leakage and allows the customer to see the product, like this Rove Tangie vape cart.

Labeling

A label should provide a customer with all the detailed information you want to know. Little to no info is not advised. While sufficient info about the product’s name, blend and lab results is acceptable. However, a top-notch vape cartridge product delves into its terpene profile, flower origin, distillation process, full cannabinoid profile (i.e., THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN) and much more to provide consumers with the clarity and product safety confirmation that it warrants.

Check out Level’s Remedy 3:1 CBD:THC vape, which lists percentages for five major cannabinoids, the strain, and even a note about what effects to expect.

Cartridge Quality

When using the cartridge, a quality product will remain clear and won’t clog. Avoid cheap, plastic cartridges that are prone to breaking. These products are likely to leak or have oil spit out its mouthpiece. While some midrange products fill the void, a top cartridge is made of high-performance products, including standard 510 threaded, glass tank, ceramic heating element, metal, glass or chrome tip, silicone stoppers where needed.

Taste

First and foremost, your vape cartridge should taste as advertised. If its flavor is unfamiliar or tastes like plastic, consider putting it down and never picking up again.

Strains should be flavorful and accurate to the information on the package. A cartridge should taste like the strain and be so tasty that it is difficult to put down. Some may also consider solvent-based extraction less than ideal. In those cases, customers should look for cartridges with natural terpenes extracted from the plant and not infused later in the manufacturing process.

A good example of delicious taste is dosist’s Calm vape pen, which earned a 5/5 from the Nugg team for its palate-stimulating sweet and sour cherry flavor.

Vapor Quality

A quality vape cartridge should never be harsh on the lungs or throat. If one serious pull has you coughing or struggling to enjoy, make it a hard pass. Instead, choose a cartridge that is extremely smooth. Customers deserve a light consumption process that is never harsh on the throat or lungs.

Oil Quality

Too often, customers end up buying vape cartridges that are too thin. In some cases, its fluids can contain cutting agents like glycerin, polyethylene glycols, medium chain triglycerides and others.

A high-quality vape cartridge is crystal clear, contains thick oil and shows no signs of cutting agents. When combined, it should provide the smooth hits mentioned above. To ensure that this is the case, look for oils extracted using CO2, heat press and appear to have undergone further refinement.

The Nugg team gave Select Elite’s L.A. Confidential vape a 4/5 on vapor quality and a 5/5 for its top-shelf, spun gold oil. Read the full review.

Consistency

A reliable, high-quality brand’s products are consistent every time. Each vape cartridge should have the same look, taste, pleasure and relief. You should never have to worry if one cartridge of GSC will vary from the next. It should taste the same, deliver the same effects and never clog.

Think of it this way, a reliable brand of vape cartridges should be able to have a lineup of multiple cartridges of the same strain, and each performs the same way.

Effectiveness and Ease of Use

An effective vape cartridge should be straightforward, easy to use and as potent as it bills itself to be.

If a cartridge doesn’t work every time, even if it requires a little finessing to work, it isn’t worth your time. Instead, find a cartridge that just works. There’s no guesswork or fumbling. All you have to do is open the package, connect it and enjoy.

Combining the points mentioned above, consumers should have an enjoyable experience that leads to no adverse effects. If a cartridge provides an uncomfortable consumption experience, or its effects fail to deliver, look elsewhere for your vape cartridge.

AbsoluteXtracts’ Pineapple Afghani vape earned a 4.5/5 from the Nugg team for its immediate calming effects with equal feelings of euphoria in both the head and body. Learn more about this vape’s full spectrum of cannabinoids.

Price

Tattoos, skydiving and vape cartridges – none are worth bargain shopping.

If possible, spring for the cartridge that provides fantastic taste, pleasure and the medical relief you’re seeking. Saving a few dollars won’t balance out for the loss of experience a superior vape cartridge provides.

Overall, the experience of the product must be considered. This includes its taste, packaging, consistency and customer service when needed. Don’t sell yourself short by being sold a product that falls short of your needs and expectations. Find a vape cartridge that checks all the boxes above to get the best out of your purchase.

---

If you want to see how some vape carts stack up, check out Nugg’s vape pen reviews and know what to expect before you buy! When you’re ready to make a purchase, check here to see if Nugg Club delivers to your address. 

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

Sturdy. Attractive. Multi-purpose. What more could you want in packaging? Often, edibles’ packaging seems like an afterthought and is too flimsy for my taste. I love that District invests in its presentation, because as a consumer, that shows me that they stand behind their product. For instance, I love the effects of Sensi Chews formulation for insomnia but their medicine comes in a small plastic “tub” that resembles extra condiments. It honestly turns me off because once opened, it’s impossible to secure the remaining chewable tabs.

 

I’m happy to report this is so not the case with District’s edible gummies. They are extremely secure in a hard-plastic casing that’s both tamperproof and child-resistant. And, drumroll please, they’re both recyclable and reusable as a joint holder! When I tried slipping a spliff rolled with classic 1 ¼ sized paper, it fit like a glove. I love that. It makes me feel “seen” as someone who does consume cannabis in multiple ways.

 

While the graphics on the outside are fairly refined with gold and white lettering, the inside of the packaging holds a surprise, which again, makes me like this product. The gummies themselves are contained in a foil blister pack which are covered in rocket ships and phrases like “Booster,” “Gravity Check,” and “Accelerator.” It creates a mood of exploration and adventure, and with gummies in particular, I feel like this added layer of personality enhances the overall experience. Unlike the indica, sativa, and hybrid options, this CBD:THC package uses a label at the bottom that outlines dosage info, but it looks like it was printed on a home computer. I would have liked to have seen a nicer label on here as the other District gummies have, so I knocked 0.5 off the rating.

 

While on the topic of labeling, the information covers the basic requirements but doesn’t go into much detail. It’s great that they have the ratio of CBD to THC per gummy and per box, opening instructions, government warnings, ingredients, best by date and batch number. After scanning the ingredients, I noticed these are full of artificial ingredients and also have corn syrup, so they’re definitely not what you would call “healthy” edibles.

 

“Cannabis oil (purified using CO2 and/or ethanol)” is also mentioned in the ingredients list, but by including that, District actually raised more questions for me. When they say “purified using CO2 and/or ethanol,” what exactly do they mean? I wonder which strains were used? It would also have been beneficial to see a QR code or another way to double check testing results. A full profile of all of the cannabinoids would also be nice to see.

 

Quality & Ease of Use

 

If you’re comfortable with 5.45 mg THC and 4.54 mg CBD per dose, it’s relatively simple to dose in these increments. If you know you need 10 mg of THC, eat two to start. However, if you’re looking for a smaller dose, you can try cutting the gummy in half or biting off a “knob.” However, given this product is a gummy, it’s going to be difficult to cut these down further for precise dosing.

 

Given the packaging’s slip-into-your-pocket-and-go nature, it’s easy to keep hidden when dosing throughout the day. If you take the blister pack out of the external package, there is nothing cannabis related printed on it, making it easy to use. Just pop out of the foil and into your mouth! Chewing is all that’s required. And speaking of chewability, District has got its formula down. It’s a clean experience as the gummy bits don’t get stuck in your teeth like Swedish fish. It feels like Jell-O with a bit more density, which I found very pleasurable and broke down easily in my mouth.

 

That said, flavor is one of the most important aspects of gummies to me. Billed as tropical punch, I expect fruitiness, with notes of mango, pineapple, etc. As soon as I broke the seal on my first gummy, I could immediately smell the classic fruit punch fragrance waft toward my nose. I assumed these would taste as deliciously sweet and fruity as they smelled, but ultimately, the initial waft set me up for disappointment. The gummies tasted like heavily watered down Hawaiian Punch with a spicy and herbaceous cannabis flavor mixed in. It was almost medicinal tasting with a weedy aftertaste. This aspect makes District Edible’s gummies not beginner-friendly. I’m quite accustomed to the taste of rich, skunky cannabis but even for me, these were formidable. It was also overwhelmingly sugary tasting which had me questioning that 3 grams of sugar gummy marketing.

 

The upshot is, when I taste strong cannabis flavors like this, I can safely assume District used more of a full spectrum extract as opposed to a distillate, which I know has more of a medicinal benefit for me.

 

Potency, Effectiveness and Affordability

 

Medicinal, indeed! District Edibles is always precise in their formulations, making this an edible that will give you a consistent experience every time you buy it. Sure enough, I can testify that each gummy I tried had the same potency. Despite the fact that it’s essentially a 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC, I still found these fairly psychoactive. So for the canna-curious reading this review, don’t be fooled! This maker makes sure to create edibles which are heavy hitters.

 

About 50 minutes from the time I ate the first gummy in the pack, I felt it kicking in. Ten minutes later, my hunger started to kick in. This is extremely helpful for me, as due to some health issues caused by Crohn’s disease, I often don’t have an appetite all day and by evening, still haven’t eaten a thing. Now I can happily nourish myself!

 

As my experience continued, after grabbing a bite to eat with friends, I found myself getting a bit anxious. While CBD generally tends to ease my anxieties, this combination of cannabinoids didn’t seem to help in that regard. The anxiety I was experiencing may have had little to do with the edible and more to do with my state of mind and body chemistry at the time, but it also might have been the edible. If you have regular issues with anxiety, like I do, you may want to take caution. Three hours after I had my first gummy, the high started dying down and at about the 5-hour mark I felt like I had sobered up. Aside from the minor bout of anxiety, I felt like this edible allowed me to be pretty energetic and productive. If I hadn’t been socializing with friends and playing strategic board games (which is exactly what I did), I could see myself happily cleaning my apartment or scouring thrift store shelves for deals.

 

For around $15-$18, this is a good price for a gummy that provides potent, consistent results, and is easy to eat and easy to dose.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 5/5

• Well-protected in a hard-plastic, child-resistant container.
• Reusable, recyclable, and doubles as a joint holder? Sold.
• Fun rocket ship theme; classy graphics with gold, white and bluish purple.

Labeling: 3.5/5

• Bare minimum for adult-use compliance.
• Leaves many questions: does “purified” mean the same as “extracted using?” What strains were used, how can we verify lab results?

 

Easy to Dose?: 4.5/5

• Simple to dose if you’re comfortable with the amount of THC and CBD in a single gummy.
• Harder to cut and achieve a precise micro-dose.

 

Discretion: 5/5

• Packaging travels well in jackets or pockets and the foil itself has no reference to cannabis.
• While someone might see the spaceship spangled pack and be curious what’s inside, they won’t know off the bat these are medicated gummies.

 

Taste: 2.5/5

• Cannabis-forward is an understatement.
• These have the “weedy” taste that turn many people off edibles. But if your top priority is effectiveness, then flavor is secondary.

 

Texture: 4.5/5

• Great texture for a gummy: not chewy, but more wiggly, like Jell-O with density.
• Didn’t get stuck in my teeth, left with a slight oily residue on my hands.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Strong stuff, definitely helped me feel elevated, helped me manage pain, and sparked my appetite right up.
• May have caused a bit more anxiety than I typically enjoy.

 

Versatility: 1.5/5

• Other than eating it as a gummy, there’s not a whole lot else you can do with these.
• Potential to be used as a garnish for a cocktail or suspended in squares of Jell-O, but given the flavor issue, I’d recommend eating them as is.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• Overall experience was consistent as it could be.
• Each gummy is a true 10 milligrams and that makes it a good buy in my book.

 

Price: 4/5

• At $15-18 per 10-pack of gummies, this is a fair price for consistently strong medicine… which definitely tastes like medicine.

 

Overall Rating: 3.9

 

District gummies’ taste could be a little better, but I also get that serious medicine doesn’t always taste great. The other thing I didn’t love was the spike in anxiety I felt, which might be explained by which strain was used (information which was not provided by the labeling). For many, I think the “hit every time” potency is worth the price, but if I buy it again, I would be cautious about it affecting my anxiety.

 

---

If you live in the L.A. area, you may qualify for cannabis delivery from Nugg Club! Get District Edibles’ gummies and more delivered to your doorstep – click here and enter your address today!

 

 

 

Packaging, Labeling and Product Design

 

Papa & Barkley products jump off the shelf. Not because of in-your-face packaging, but rather the complete opposite. Their understated, classy and simple packaging is unique in a world of harsh neon green and black. This Papa & Barkley 3:1 RELEAF Balm comes inside of a beautifully frosted glass jar with a honey-colored wood top, adorned with a P&B logo burnt into the wood. The P&B branded blue label is the perfect compliment to the deep green of the cannabis topical that pokes through the frosted glass. The jar is packaged safely inside of a sturdy blue box with an ink sketch of Papa himself. I could see this jar happily living on the chicest of bedside tables and bathroom countertops.

 

I appreciate the effort to thoroughly label this product. They include its ingredients, directions for use and some information about the Papa & Barkley brand. But there is one major aspect for concern: the printed cannabinoid contents on the front of the box (450 mg CBD: 150 mg THC) doesn’t match the lab test results label on the side of the box (374.04 mg CBD: 121.19 mg THC). If the lab testing is right (as it should be) that’s nearly 75 mg of CBD short…a major disappointment.

 

The label on the jar restates the 3:1 ratio and informs me this product is good for “pain and inflammation,” but doesn’t tell me much beyond that. I wish there a little more information on what conditions this product is good for. I find myself wondering, is this good for nerve pain, muscle pain, headaches, bug bites?

 

Luckily, there is a support phone number listed on the label that I can call to get additional answers. The helpline informs me this 3:1 RELEAF Balm is best for pain due to inflammation, like arthritis or injury. I’ve been experiencing major shoulder pain from an injury that has never quite healed, so I get ready to slather this on liberally.

 

Quality and Ease of Use

 

Since the ingredients are right on the jar, I can tell this product is high quality. No harmful fillers, chemicals or additives to be found here; just cannabis, coconut oil, beeswax, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, vitamin E oil and natural terpenes. Upon opening the jar, the strong aroma of the essential blend punches my nostrils. It smells earthy yet medicinal at the same time and is honestly a bit too pungent for my tastes.

 

The texture of the balm inside is like that of solidified coconut oil. I scoop a generous fingerful out of the beautifully frosted jar, deposit the chunk of topical to my shoulder and, as I rub, the once-solidified coconut oil spreads like a thick liquid. This topical is so oily and doesn’t fully absorb into the skin for quite some time, so I avoid putting clothing on top of the treated area. I could see this texture being fantastic for a nice cannabis-infused massage.

 

This product is incredibly easy to use. Just scoop some out, rub it on and that is it! I love the large wooden top on the jar; I think even my grandmother could grab hold and open it, even with her arthritis-ridden hands.

Potency, Effectiveness and Affordability

 

This Papa & Barkley 3:1 RELEAF Balm works almost instantly for me. I immediately begin feeling more mobility in my shoulder and feel my body relaxing around the site of injury. It feels incredible and I find myself more grateful for the relief than I expected to be. I would be interested to see if the wonderful tingly sensation is brought on mostly by the cannabis or the strong essential oil blend. Either way, I did feel great relief! I don’t think I would use this product on more sensitive areas of the skin, for fear the essential oil blend might be too strong.

 

After testing three different jars of this topical, I feel very confident in its consistency. This product is highly potent, especially when compared to other cannabis topicals on the market. Because of this, the price is steep. At nearly $100 for a 50 mL jar, this topical tops the top shelf. I can’t say this high price point is always accessible for me, but if I had a more debilitating inflammation issue, I think it would be worth the investment. In the end, I would absolutely suggest this product for my grandmother.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 5/5

• Balm comes packaged beautifully in a thick, frosted glass jar with a wooden lid. The lid has the P&B logo burnt into it and it’s labeled in a cool blue.
• Glass jar is housed in a sturdy cardboard box donning P&B’s classic calming blue and beige design and a sketch of the infamous Papa & Barkley.
• Unparalleled brand recognition: without being “loud,” I can spot this (and their other products) from a mile away.

 

Labeling: 3/5

• Printed cannabinoid contents on the front of the box (450mg CBD: 150mg THC) are contradictory to the lab test results label on the side of the box (374.04mg CBD: 121.19 mg THC).
• This contradiction is a little confusing and misleading, and the box would be much better off without printing their (what I’ll call) “targeted” cannabinoid content on the front.
• Customer support staff (whose phone number is listed on the label) is incredibly nice and willing to work through questions.

 

Fragrance: 3.5/5

• Blend of essential oils in this balm creates a fragrance that smells calming but medicinal. While it’s not unpleasant, it’s a little overwhelming… and lasts a long time.
• Because of the strong essential oil blend, I wouldn’t feel comfortable using this on my face or other sensitive skin areas on my body.
• Anyone with allergies to certain essential oils in this mix won’t be able to utilize the healing powers of these cannabinoids in P&B’s RELEAF Balm

 

Texture: 3.5/5

• Balm turns from a solid to a smooth oil as soon as it meets the heat from your body.
• While it provides a great glide for massaging it onto a sore muscle, it is pretty oily so be careful with clothing.
• Texture would be ideal for a massage.

 

Ease of Use: 5/5

• Product couldn’t be any easier to use.
• Lid is easy to unscrew and the mouth of the jar is wide enough to easily get to every last drop of the balm.

 

Ingredients: 5/5

• Simple ingredients: only cannabis, fractionated coconut oil, beeswax, a blend of essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and lavender), vitamin E oil, and natural terpenes. That’s it!
• Product is completely natural, uses a whole-plant extract, it’s Cruelty-Free and Sun-Grown in Humboldt.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• I would love to see Papa & Barkley come out with a fragrance-free version of this product, not only for the reasons listed above, but also
• so I can tell if the tingling sensation is from the cannabinoids or from the eucalyptus/peppermint/tea tree oils.
• After giving my shoulder a rub with this oily balm, I immediately felt more mobility.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• After working with several jars of this, I always had the same experience and felt the same relief.
• If this blend of cannabinoids works for you, it should work consistently – every time.

 

Versatility: 4/5

• Although the customer support team assured me that it’s a great moisturizer and OK to use virtually anywhere, because of the intense essential oil mix, I’d be afraid you use this near my eyes, on any sensitive skin areas (face, lips, etc.), or skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, etc.).

 

Price: 4.5/5

• At around $100 for this 50ml jar, it’s priced a bit higher than most topical cannabis products I come across, though, most cannabis topicals I’ve come across aren’t nearly as effective.
• For me, the price is a little steep because I would only use it for the occasional sore muscle. But if I had a chronic and debilitating condition, I would consider this a worthy investment.
• Because of the high cannabinoid content and potency, you may find the price to be well worth the relief it brings to your ailments.

 

Overall Rating: 4.35

 

This is one of the most effective cannabis topicals I’ve ever tried. The potent sun-grown Humboldt cannabis and proprietary essential oil blend immediately go to work to relieve pain. The beautiful Papa & Barkley packaging looks like it belongs in a high-end skincare boutique, but it’s also functional for those opening the jar with limited mobility. On the downside, the contradiction in potency labels is disappointing and the price point a bit steep. All in all, for those with chronic and debilitating inflammation, would probably find this highly potent and highly effective topical well worth the investment.

 

---

Ready to alleviate your aches and pains with Papa & Barkley’s 3:1 CBD:THC RELEAF balm? Nugg Club can deliver this product and more right to your doorstep. If you live in the LA area, click here to see if your address qualifies. 

 

 

 

Packaging, Labeling, and Product Design

 

Select notes that its Elite line of vapes is powered by ceramic core technology: “Our award-winning hardware maintains a controlled, even temperature to allow for larger hits,” the company reveals. This cartridge is constructed with metal and glass, with a mouthpiece made of plastic (not unlike most Hollywood stars). While this might sound disheartening, trust me, this particular mouthpiece feels exceedingly comfortable on the lips. Maybe this is how Select gets you – anyone who’s had a Nalgene bottle with the nipple top knows what I’m talking about.

 

Like I’ve noted in other reviews, I enjoyed Select’s commitment to telling me, the consumer, where their oil was tested, when it was tested, and how I can verify the results. I also appreciate the strain information, size/weight, and THC/CBD levels. Still, my curious mind wants to know every last bit of crucial info: a full cannabinoid and terpene profile, the extraction process used, and dates of harvest and processing. Maybe I’m being too picky, but at $50-60 per cartridge, this feels like a reasonable request.

 

I do give Select bonus points for making all of their labels peelable stickers. This means consumers can label their cartridge and tell the difference between this heavy-duty indica and a lightweight CBD-rich cartridge, like Select Elite’s Ringo’s Gift.

 

Quality and Ease of Use

 

Select Elites use an organic cotton wick and specially designed ceramic coil aimed to “preserve the delicate flavor nuances of the oil and maintain a consistent temperature.” I have thoughts on the flavor (keep reading) but I do agree that the technology of these vapes allows for perfect consistency, every time.

 

Potency, Effectiveness, Affordability

 

As I take my first puff and contemplate the taste, I think to myself “Hey, this does taste a bit like L.A. Confidential!” The piney and woody flavor has a bit of a hash taste at the end. Select notes that they “reintroduce cannabis-derived, strain-specific terpenes” to recreate flavor profiles, and this vape pen tastes enough like the original strain’s profile that I believe them.

 

However, what this brand lacks in flavor, it certainly makes up for in potency. After a couple more puffs, I could tell it had the same effects I get from L.A. Confidential flowers as well. It’s a calming, heavy-hitting indica that will totally couch-lock you. This strain is perfect for use as an evening vape – if you have trouble sleeping, this will definitely help you to melt into your bed.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 4/5

• Cartridge comes in a hefty cardboard box, yet it could easily bust under some weight.
• Graphics are simple, clean and elegant.

 

Labeling: 3.5/5

• Decent but could be better.
• I would prefer new details instead of repeating the same info that exists on a different part of the packaging.
• Turning labels into peelable stickers is genius – it helps me keep track of which cartridge is which.

 

Cartridge Quality: 4.5/5

• Metal and glass construction with a plastic mouthpiece; a highly efficient cartridge.
• Easier to take a bigger puff than expected, due to the ceramic core technology.
• Perfect for users who want longer harder hits, but may be too harsh for new users.

 

Taste: 3.5/5

• Not terrible, but not mind-blowing.
• I did taste some earthy, skunky, piney remnants on the exhale, but I didn’t love the inhale flavor.

 

Vapor Quality: 4/5

• Fairly smooth when you take a three-second hit (as the box suggests).
• Longer hits may hit you on the back of the throat, causing you to cough.

 

Oil Quality: 5/5

• Top-shelf, spun gold oil.
• Viscous and light in color – indicating purity, careful testing, and cleaning manufacturing processes.

 

Ease of Use: 4.5/5

• Vape is compatible with most mainstream batteries (510 threaded).
• Small enough to take anywhere.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Highly effective with minimal use.
• Calming, heavy indica effects will allow you to melt into your sofa or bed, and have you sleeping in no time.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• Cartridges have the same look, taste, pleasure and relief.
• It’s difficult to tell them apart without using their supplied stickers.

 

Affordability: 4.5/5

• At $50-60 per cartridge, this is a decent price, given the golden oil which speaks to its purity, well-designed vape technology, and consistent experience.

 

Overall Rating: 4.35

 

Select nails it with their L.A. Confidential strain-specific vape, which perfectly mirrors the (excellent) experience I’ve had with its flowers. This Elite cartridge only loses out because it doesn’t include the full range of specific information (harvest details etc.) that I’ve come to expect from the top brands. This high-potency THC vape is particularly effective if you suffer from chronic pain, just don’t expect to be too active after consuming.

 

---

If you live in the L.A area, you could have this Select Elite L.A. Confidential vape delivered right to your door. Click here to find out if you qualify for a Nugg Club delivery! 

 

 

A Motivator or De-Motivator?

Because cannabis is still outlawed at the federal level, there hasn’t been too much research into the differing effects of specific cannabis strains. In fact, most cannabis research, in general, has been stymied by this fact. But among regular cannabis users, different strains of cannabis can cause vastly different effects.

 

We know that cannabis can cause an elevated heart rate in some consumers, which may translate into a motivated, “get up and go” mindset. But studies overwhelmingly suggest that cannabis doesn’t really move the needle in terms of focus and motivation; in fact, in some consumers, studies suggest that cannabis may actually decrease motivation and focus.

 

So, what really gives? Is cannabis ultimately a motivator or a de-motivator? It turns out, it may be both.

 

The Need for More Clinical Research

Some researchers speculate that cannabis may have a motivating impact on some consumers as a secondary effect. They theorize that cannabis may temporarily reduce an individual’s pain, stress, or anxiety, allowing them to focus more on a given project.

 

Unfortunately, until the laws change to encourage further clinical research, cannabis effects may continue to be largely subjective. The good news is that Nugg makes it easy to find a cannabis product that meets your needs! We’ve rounded up some of our customers’ favorite sativa and sativa-dominant strains so you can conduct your own trial and error to figure out which strains help you get focused.

 

Try These Strains from Nugg Club

Whether you’re working on an art project, trying to run errands, or getting into the mood for spring cleaning, read on to learn more about some of Nugg Club’s most popular motivating flower!

 

Orangeade #9

This strain is the love child of two other world-class strains: Tangie and Purple Punch. Orangeade takes after its sativa parent, delivering a soaring rush of mental energy and euphoria. However, this strain shouldn’t cause any anxiety or racing thoughts thanks to Orangeade’s indica parent, Purple Punch. Consumers report a great smell, taste, and overall experience, making Orangeade a perfect strain for creative endeavors that require focus and attention.

 

Skunkberry

Another hybrid with sativa-leaning effects, Skunkberry came about from crossing a Blueberry strain with the hybrid Skunk. The result is a dose of euphoria and cerebral stoniness coupled with the physically relaxing effects of its indica-dominant Blueberry parent. Expect a strong odor, great taste, and well-balanced effects that pair well with social activities and isolated chores like cleaning equally well.

 

Super Silver Haze

This strain offers a blast of cerebral effects that are perfect for focus and motivation. Haze, Skunk, and (surprisingly) the indica strain Northern Lights came together to form this powerhouse, Super Silver Haze. The Haze and Skunk genetics provide consumers with a heavy head high that may include concentration and/or motivation for some consumers, while the indica lineage gives consumers relief from physical pain and stress. When these attributes combine, you can expect a euphoric, creative pick-me-up without anxiety or distraction.

 

Diablo OG

With a name like Diablo OG, you might expect some otherworldly origins for this strain. However, it’s actually the result of crossing two sativas – Grapefruit and a South African landrace sativa – with the indica strain Blueberry. Because of the Blueberry genetics, some consumers report that large doses of Diablo OG can lead to sleepiness and couch lock; however, in small doses, the sativa-dominant effects should shine through. Diablo OG offers a dose of euphoria and cerebral energy coupled with relaxing effects that are perfect for calming stress and tackling a creative project at home.

 

Gorilla Glue #4

This sativa-dominant hybrid is a real powerhouse strain. GG4, also known as Original Glue, combines the genetics of Chem’s Sister and Chocolate Diesel (both sativas) with the hybrid Sour Dubble. Consumers generally report feeling a burst of euphoria and an overall happy experience, while the hybrid effects of GG4’s Sour Dubble parent lend physical relaxation and stress relief. You may experience couch-lock in higher doses, but with the right dosing, GG4 should help you focus on crafting or other creative endeavors (though GG4’s relaxing effects may make it difficult to leave the house).

 

Check out our review of NUG’s GG4 here.

 

Microdosing Cannabis Flower

If you’ve tried sativa strains in the past and still struggled to focus or feel motivating effects, it could be that you’re just smoking too much before tackling the project at hand. A popular trend in the cannabis world right now is microdosing — the practice of consuming just a small amount of cannabis to produce minimal effects. Vape pens make it easy to microdose, but you can microdose with cannabis flower as well!

 

Try using a small pipe or one-hitter to smoke flower, as a continuously burning joint will easily lead to overconsumption. Take a single puff, then set the pipe down and wait 20-30 minutes to see how you feel. Remember that the goal with microdosing is not to feel stoned, just to feel base-level effects – in this case, motivation and focus without cognitive distortion.

 

---

 

Check out Nugg strain’s reviews to learn more about the effects of different types of flower. If you’re ready to purchase and live in the Los Angeles area, click here to see if Nugg Club delivery is available! 

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

Just like every other Pax pod I’ve purchased, this Level Remedy pod is packaged in the same way: a small, recyclable, white box with a minimalistic design. This one has a tamper-proof sticker that keeps the box closed. Level used their “branding space” at the bottom of the box wisely, featuring bright, neon green colors to command my attention and stand out from the other Pax pods on the shelf. Inside the box, there is child-proof, hard plastic holder with a window, keeping your pod safe and easily viewed.

 

Maximizing the available box space, Level provided a date for when it was made, packaged, and when it expires. They also list percentages of the major cannabinoids (THC 24.5%, CBD 64.7%, THCA ND, CBDa 0.33%, CBG 2.49%, and CBN 0.55%. It also says “Blue Dream” on the back. I’ve never come across the Blue Dream strain that’s rich in CBD, but I’m assuming those are just the cannabis-derived terps they’ve introduced into the oil. They’ve labeled that their cannabis was harvested by Sunkissed Farms with a note on what effects to expect: “A mild high, helps ease pain and promotes rest.”

 

Although there is a batch number, there’s no sign or source of lab testing for harmful contaminants. There isn’t a list of ingredients or any indication of the extraction method. Aside from those missing Items, a profile of the major terpenes involved would be nice to see. Since this company takes such deliberate steps to honor the integrity of its terpenes, they know what aromatic oils can be found in this cartridge.

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

While I don’t love plastic cartridges, these Pax pods are made with food-grade plastic and utilize a dual wick and dual airflow – they’re of exceptional quality. Leak resistant, the Remedy 3:1 CBD:THC cartridge is able to maintain its temperature with precision, down to the single degree!

 

I do enjoy the taste, but it tastes nothing like Blue Dream (the strain they have labeled). I would say it has more of a skunky, sweet n’ sour taste. That sweet n’ sour note is pretty familiar in the case of CBD-rich strains like ACDC or Sour Tsunami.

 

This oil works really well set on a low temperature; you’ll get a minimal cloud and a smooth hit. If you amp it to a mid-range temp, you may find it to be a little harsh – but you’ll be rewarded with a thick cloud of vapor. Inside the cartridge, the oil is completely see-through and amber in color. I notice that the oil is fairly thick from the air bubble caught in it – I’m happy.

 

Because it’s a Pax pod, this Level cartridge is incredibly easy to use when you have the Pax Era battery. You just pop it in the top. If you don’t have the proprietary battery, it’ll be pretty hard to puff on this.

 

Potency, Effectiveness, Affordability

 

This Remedy 3:1 hit me right off of the bat! The box says this product promotes rest, so I tried this baby out while getting ready for bed after a long day. I melted right into my mattress. I was initially having some trouble digesting my dinner, but the high CBD content settled my rumbling gut in no time. The THC hit me too, but led to a relaxing vibe without amping me up; I fell asleep with no problems. Level is always exacting their scientific blends of distilled cannabis and steam distilled cannabis terpenoids, so you can be sure the oil will be the same every time. Because it’s in a Pax pod, you can count on consistency there as well – a winning combination!

 

For roughly $67, this is steep for a half gram of oil. If I bought the same oil housed in the classic 510-threaded cartridge, from the same shop, it would have been $17 cheaper. The Pax is pretty cool, but for me to rationalize spending an extra $17 bucks to use it doesn’t make sense for my budget.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 4.5/5

• A small, white box with a minimalistic design; bonus points for sustainability
• Eye-catching, well-made, and secure packaging.

 

Labeling: 4/5

• I like that Level tells me what to expect: “A mild high, helps ease pain and promotes rest.”
• Solid amount of information with just a few missing elements (no sign or source of testing, no major terpenes involved).

 

Cartridge Quality: 4.5/5

• Made from plastic, which we usually penalize for, but the food-grade plastic is leak resistant and durable.
• Consistent airflow; organic cotton wicks

 

Taste: 3/5

• Enjoyable taste, but nothing like the strain they have labeled (Blue Dream).
• Skunky sweet n’ sour taste indicative of CBD-rich strains (think Sour Tsunami or AC/CD).
• I like the smooth flavor, but I was expecting something else.

 

Vapor Quality: 4/5

• Minimal cloud; oil works the best on a low temperature.
• Harsher hits on mid-range temps but thicker vapor clouds.
• Produces an optimal, smooth draw with no sacrifices in the potency department.

 

Oil Quality: 5/5

• Excellent oil quality.
• Completely see-through, amber in color.

 

Ease of Use: 3/5

• Super easy if you have a Pax battery, but impossible to use if you don’t.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Both powerfully relieving and gentle.
• Offers a mild high for consumers who don’t want to feel a significant head change.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• Level’s commitment to ensuring potency and Pax’s design excellence make for a winning combination!

 

Affordability: 2.5/5

• At $67 for a half gram of oil, this is not cheap.
• I can get the same oil in a classic 510-threaded cartridge (from the same dispensary) for $17 less.

 

Overall: 4.1

If it weren’t for the high price tag, I’d be going back to Level’s Remedy 3:1 CBD: THC Pax pod again and again. I’d turn people towards other Level products for budgetary reasons – and the good news is, many of them are of the same high quality and exact same 3:1 CBD:THC oil as the Remedy Pax pod. Overall, this is an excellent choice for those seeking to reduce inflammation and quiet generalized or acute anxiety.

 

---

If Level’s Remedy 3:1 Pax Pod sounds enticing, click here and enter your address to find out if Nugg Club can deliver to your doorstep! 

 

 

 

The History of Kush

 

OG Kush is believed to have been first cultivated in Florida in the early 90s, but it was brought to Los Angeles in 1996 – which is when the strain’s popularity really began to take off. Some disagree with this narrative, claiming that OG Kush originated from a single seed found in a bag of exceptional herb at a Grateful Dead show in the 1990s.

 

The origins of OG Kush are far from settled, but there’s even been debate over what the “OG” name stands for. Some insist that it’s short for “Original Gangster,” while others claim that this West Coast favorite’s initials stand for “Ocean Grown.” In one apocryphal story, someone complimented the original grower by saying that the buds tasted mountain grown, to which they replied: “this was Ocean Grown.”

 

Effects of Kush Strains

 

 

No matter what the name means, OG Kush has been carefully bred by cannabis enthusiasts for its balanced physical/mental effects. Some Kush varieties lean strongly indica (like Bubba Kush, for example). Other Kush phenotypes produce more sativa-dominant effects, including a rush of euphoria. Still, other phenotypes of OG Kush deliver more balanced effects typical of a hybrid. Some people believe that the same strain can even produce different effects among various users.

 

As it goes with many origin stories, we may never know the true history or genetics of OG Kush. But we do know that we love this strain for its piney smell, its hashy taste, and its powerful effects. Some consumers choose OG Kush varieties to tackle stress, anxiety, and pain. Certain Kush varieties that lean heavy on the indica side may also lead to drowsiness, making indica-dominant Kush varieties a great choice for anyone struggling with insomnia.

 

7 Kush Strains Delivered to Your Door

 

Want to try OG Kush but don’t know where to begin? Here are some of the top Kush strains, available for delivery in the LA area from Nugg Club! These Kush phenotypes are sure to meet your needs, no matter what effects you’re seeking:

 

1. OG Kush (Eighth Brother) – OG Kush is the classic Kush strain here in California. Some consumers swear that OG Kush complements any activity or mood, whether you want to be social with friends, go for a hike, recover from pain/discomfort, or ease into a good night’s sleep.

2. Royal Kush (Eighth Brother) – Royal Kush is distinct from the genetics of OG Kush; this strain is actually the product of an Afghani indica and the hybrid Skunk #1 (not Chemdawg). However, much like the classic OG Kush, consumers can expect an onset of euphoria followed by a powerful, relaxing body high.

3. Source OG – Classic OG Kush and SFV OG are the proud parents of this strain, Source OG. Expect notes of citrus mixed in with the traditional OG pine smell and slightly more indica-dominant effects from Source OG.

4. OG Kush (CaliGold) – Expect the familiar taste and effects that you love from this classic California OG Kush. OG Kush offers physical relaxation without putting you to sleep, making this strain perfect for any endeavor.

5. Sunset OG (Old Pal Flower) – Not much is known about this strain’s origins. Based on the name, some believe it to be a cross of Sunset Sherbet and an undisclosed OG strain. Expect indica-dominant effects that will knock out stress, anxiety, and physical pain.

6. OG Kush (Humboldt) – Another classic OG Kush, this version hails from Humboldt County in Northern California, one of the cannabis capitals of the world. This OG offers spicy, piney smells and balanced indica-dominant effects. Perfect for just about any activity, any time of day!

7. Doc’s OG (Erba) – This Kush strain is the child of the indica-dominant hybrid Face Off OG and the powerful indica Rare Dankness #1. Overall, Doc’s OG leans towards the indica end of the spectrum. Fans of Doc’s OG turn to this strain for its ability to relax the mind and the body. Doc’s OG delivers a muscle-relaxing physical high that’s great for treating pain, muscle spasms, and physical discomfort, all while crushing any stress you might be feeling. This strain is best saved for a pre-bedtime treat as it may put you to sleep shortly after consumption.

 

Still not sure where to start? Chat live with a Nugg Club cannabis concierge who can answer your questions and help you pick the strain that’s right for you.

 

---

Have your favorite Kush strain delivered to your door with Nugg Club – click here and enter your address to see if delivery is available in your area.

 

 

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

The new compliant packaging is a bit bulkier and tougher than the old medical chews. I had some trouble getting the taffies out of their plastic pouches so they’re truly child-proof. If you suffer from arthritis or other hand pain, you’ll need someone to open them.

 

While Cheeba Chews enjoys the trust of the cannabis community, they tend to lack transparency when it comes to lab testing. Their website says their products are lab tested, yet the lab results, strain breakdown and cannabis source isn’t readily available on the packaging. The brand would benefit from offering more transparency on their lab test results, sourcing of plant material, and manufacturing technique. Until then, I’ll rely on the consistent results I get from this balanced 100mg taffy to form an opinion.

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

The classic logo ensures an effective cannabis candy experience. One bite into the sticky, slightly chewy 1:1 square and you know what to expect: Tootsie Roll taste and a relaxed-but-functional experience.

 

The new packaging required excessive effort to unwrap each individual child-proof packet, making it a hassle to dose in larger amounts. But if you’re into microdosing, this isn’t an issue.

 

Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability

 

At 10 milligrams of balanced THC and CBD per piece, I ate the whole pack as a post-dinner treat, which was tough. It was a nice cap-off to my chicken stir-fry and helped digest that broccoli and bok choy without bloating.

 

The taffy’s potency and effectiveness were exactly as I expected from Cheeba Chews – enjoyably chill-but-focused for body and mind. I felt comfortable and content getting work done without feeling lethargic; I didn’t fidget and wasn’t distracted by the noise outside my window on this surprisingly cool summer evening.

 

With a $22 price tag, this is more than I’d like to spend on an edible – especially since Korova cookies are almost double the CBD and THC, only two dollars more and just as effective. Still, I know Cheeba Chews is a trustworthy brand backed by consistency and effectiveness, so I’ll continue to fork over 22 bones for more chews. You win, Cheeba Chews. Touché.

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 2.5/5

• While the box protects your chews well and has pleasing graphics, it’s far too big and bulky for the product inside.
• New compliant packaging is about six inches long and an inch deep, too bulky to stuff in your pocket.
• Child-resistant cardboard that covers the blister pack allows you to break down into longer segments, but it’s still awkward.

 

Labeling: 3.5/5

• Iconic logo and polka dot background make me know it’s a brand I can trust.
• Label includes net weight, amount of servings, THC: CBD content and cannabinoid content.
• List of ingredients along with nutrition information, yet no lab results.
• Includes a tip: pop these in the freezer for 2 minutes if the taffy is too soft to help get them out of the package.
• If the packaging included where this product was sourced, how it was sourced and the strains it came from, I’d give this a 5.

 

Easy to dose: 4/5

• Easier than it used to be to dose (for someone who doses in 5 mg increments).
• Childproofing makes it tough to open and requires more energy and finger strength.
• Consuming the entire Cheeba Chew out of the package at once is tricky and frustrating.

 

Discretion: 3/5

• Inner packaging is nondescript.
• Draws unwanted attention when you’re struggling to open the package.

 

Taste: 3/5

• “Chocolate Taffy” chews taste like tootsie rolls.
• Has hints of cannabis flavor.
• Ideal if you’re a Tootsie Roll fan (I am not).

 

Texture: 4.5/5

• Soft, chewy consistency.
  Eventually melts in your mouth.
  It might get stuck in your teeth, but not irritating.
  Stays true to taffy texture.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Makes me relaxed yet functional with equal parts CBD to THC.
• I ate the whole package (50mg THC and 50mg CBD), which was the perfect post-dinner treat.
• Chill but focused, I got stuff done without feeling restless or uneasy.

 

Versatility: 1.5

• Mimicking a tootsie roll, there aren’t many ways you can incorporate these into a meal.
• Try serving them on a toothpick as a post-dinner treat.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• Over the years, Cheeba Chews have been consistent in their flavor, consistency and effectiveness.

 

Price: 3/5

• Higher-than-average price at $22.
• Other brands like Korova have more cannabis content for almost the same price.
• Can charge more due to their trusted name backed by quality.

 

Overall: 3.5

 

If you need a reliable, balanced edible from a reputable brand to stay focused and active, this 1:1 THC:CBD taffy does it. You might find the childproof blister packaging a pain to open, especially if you have a higher tolerance and need the full 50mg THC and 50mg CBD for relief. While you can’t go wrong with its mix of Tootsie Roll flavor and slight cannabis taste, other brands provide more complex flavor and a bit more THC and CBD content for almost the identical cost.

 

---

Ready to try Cheeba Chews’ 1:1 CBD: THC chocolate taffy? Click here and enter your address to find out if Nugg Club can deliver to your doorstep! 

 

 

Quality of Packaging

 

Packaging is a massive component of cannabis products. Most states require strict guidelines to ensure that products are resealable and safe from children. While many products meet and exceed these standards, online purchases can be hit or miss at times. Unfortunately, customers don’t have the advantage of an in-store experience to find out before purchasing physically.

 

That said, consumers can look at the product online to get an idea for a quality product and its package. Each item should come in a resealable, child-proof box or packaging. Additionally, it should be appealing. While you shouldn’t judge the book by its cover, we have to admit that the cover helps get us looking at the book if we aren’t sure of what we want. A visible logo and simple packaging should be the prelude to an amazing edible experience that awaits inside.

 

Or, as Dr. John Oram of the award-winning chocolate edibles, NUG (no relation) explains, “ I need to be drawn into the product before I buy it. After purchase, I expect the edible product to be delicious and have no cannabis flavor whatsoever.” He added, “I have the same standards for cannabis edibles as I do for non-cannabis edibles. I need to enjoy eating it. Otherwise, why am I eating it?”

 

Comprehensive Labeling Info

 

Labeling is another component of the package a consumer needs to look out for. In short, make sure the product you buy is full of information.

 

Is it clear what the item is? How about the company that’s making it? Going beyond the bare necessities for compliance, does the item list its strain information, cannabinoid profile, farm source or other key information? If it doesn’t consider another option.

 

Jonathan Teeters, General Manager of the CBD Division for edible brand Azuca, wants to see products for clear selling points that buyers want to know. “I like to look for obvious callouts on the things that indicate they are positioning themselves for mainstream retail and customers: emblems and logos for gluten-free, kosher, organic, fair trade, GMP compliant, etc.”

 

Ease of Use and Versatility

 

 

The days of DIY edibles and product uncertainty need to be over. By now, dosing should be fool-proof with edibles. We are dealing with sophisticated brands operating like any other major producer in the market. If your product gives you any sort of uncertainty around dosing, look elsewhere.

 

Don’t even settle for an edible that is somewhat hard to dose. Furthermore, don’t settle for anything other than pre-divided pieces or edibles that are accurately dosed and/or listed on its measuring chart.

 

Another point worth considering is the product’s versatility. Can it be easily added to other items? Does it allow for consumers to be creative with its consumption? If so, then it could be one of the better edibles to consider.

 

Portability and Discretion

 

Not many consumers want to show off that they’re consuming cannabis. The last thing they want to do is to draw attention to themselves with edibles that are overt and hard to dispense. These lower quality items tend to be better suited for the home. Slightly improved products are portable. However, good luck taking it out in public for more than a few minutes without someone catching on.

 

A high-quality edible will be discreet and easy for communal use. Products made with professional-grade packaging and labeling helps keep consumption inconspicuous. As does easy to portion and dispense microdosed products. Combining these features will leave just about anyone assuming you are sharing a piece of candy with a friend.

 

Gourmet Taste

 

Remember, we’re talking about edibles here. A product may be checking off all the right boxes until it touches your taste buds. If that’s the case, then it’s going to be a hard and justified pass on that one. Edibles should be delicious and resemble your favorite gourmet snacks made with rich, complex flavors. These are snacks that don’t taste like flower and instead remind you of your favorite cannabis-free snacks.

 

If you can’t try one before you buy, get reviews up front. Or, sample a friend’s edibles if they’re up for sharing. Otherwise, you’re paying for a blind taste test.

 

Tolerable, Even Pleasant Texture

 

 

There’s always that one candy or snack that you love but hate to the mess that comes with it. For me, as a kid, it was those push-up ice cream pops. They tasted delicious but left my hand and arm covered in sticky ice cream. But hey, that’s being 16, am I right?

 

While you won’t be able to feel the product, try to get reviews or watch sample videos describing how the edible handles. Is it hard to ingest, or make a mess on your hands or the floor? How’s it feel when chewing?

 

Overall, you want an edible that feels good on your tongue and won’t have half of its getting stuck on your fingers or in the carpet. Easy to handle should be the name of the game.

 

A Consistent Experience

 

Much like its taste, an edible’s effectiveness can crush any promising edible that fails to live up to its effects. The edible should provide consumers with the measured effect that is stated on the package. It should be effective and deliver no adverse effects when consumed.

 

Once proven to be effective, the edible should be consistent. Regardless of what piece off of which bar is eaten, you should know how this piece affects your body. If there is any guesswork involved, it may be time to switch to a new item.

 

One way to ensure that a product is effective and consistent is to look for lab tests. Companies should offer these results on their website or at the request of a consumer. As Dr. Oram explains, “I expect the product to be fully lab tested for potency and safety. I expect to see a statement or label from the lab indicating the test results and the date of testing. I expect the test results to be close to the label claims and I expect the date of testing to be relatively recent, within the last few months.”

 

A Price That Matches Quality

 

One final make or break component is going to be the price. With some edibles costing exorbitant sums of money, not every item fits into a consumer’s budget. As such, find an edible that fits your budget while having a reputation as a consistent, flavorful and potent. You want bang for your buck. Make sure the two align.

 

---

If you live in the Los Angeles area and are ready to buy your favorite edible online, click here to see if Nugg Club delivers to your address!