Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

 

A small, easy-to-open box holds a glass tank filled with .5g (500mg) of CBD vape oil, which you can see through a heart-shaped cut-out. While this is an eye-catching touch, I worry the exposure leaves the cart more susceptible to light and heat that could, over time, deplete some of the cannabinoid content.

 

Speaking of standing out, the box itself looks stunning–and bit weird. On it, little, colorful black-eyed creatures with red baskets on their hands roam a Pixar-like world of childlike imagination…or a psychedelic nightmare. Friendly or frightening, the brand creates a truly beautiful piece of artwork.

 

Find the strain name, 20:1 CBD:THC ratio, and where this CBD flower was grown (Lucky Hill Farm, Mendocino) above the virtual fantasyland. Turn it over and you’ll find the prominent terpene (limonene), 20:1 CBD:THC ratio again, flavor description, a description of the expected effects, and government warnings.

 

No cannabinoid percentage, signs of lab testing nor mention of extraction methods.

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

After breaking the label sticker on the top of the box that doubles as a tamper-proof device, I pull out the raspberry red slipcase, another detailed layer of protection and design. The weight reassures me cartridge is made with a durable glass tank and rectangular, metal mouthpiece that feels smooth on my lips.

 

A picture on Lola Lola’s website shows a light, smooth, almost canary yellow oil. But my cart  had a darker, ocher yellow hue. Why? In high concentrations, CBD has a tendency to form crystals. Still, any company that’s going to sell CBD vape oil should figure out a way to maintain its stability. On my first puff, I had trouble pulling the vapor due to the crystallization.

 

Pro tip: If you experience a chunky, crystalized oil, warm the vape cartridge and wait for the oil to liquefy before taking a drag (a warm pot of water or hair dryer works).

 

Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability

 

 

Because of the main terpene, limonene, I was expecting more citrusy flavors. Instead, the taste was milder than expected. I found more earthy, herbal notes, almost like a medicinal tea, than sweet fruit. A friend even compared it to the flavor of fresh pipe tobacco. Perhaps the terpene profile decreased because of the extraction process?

 

The Gift vape provided some mild psychoactivity, not what I expected since the ratio is 20:1 CBD:THC. I didn’t feel it until a handful of puffs later so if you’re deterred by any head change, you may want to treat lightly. I did, however, feel the anticipated calming and relaxing effects within minutes, which lasted almost the entire day. These results were subtle and paired well with my latte.

 

Retailing for $45 for a half gram, The Gift 20:1 CBD cart is reasonably priced. With its positive, whole-body effects lasting longer than I expected, I’d buy this again for the wellness aspect alone–as long as the oil hasn’t crystalized.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 4/5

• Cardboard slipcase showcases bright, eye-grabbing psychedelic artwork that leaps off the shelves.
• Heart-cutout in the center of the box leaves the cartridge a bit exposed and more susceptible to damage.
• Raspberry red slipcase ensures the cartridge fits snugly and safely inside.

 

Labeling: 2/5

• Plenty of brand details but the lack of pertinent info leaves questions.
• I love knowing where this cannabis comes from, what tastes and effects to expect, and the prominent terpene.
• No percentage of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; no signs of lab testing and no extraction method mentioned.

 

Cartridge Quality: 4/5

• Metal construction and mouthpiece with a glass tank.
• Cartridge remains unclogged and provides a consistent hit (as long as the oil hasn’t crystallized).

 

Taste: 3/5

• Lists limonene as the prominent terpene, but I only vaguely tasted citrus. Flavor’s more woodsy/earthy with a sour quality I know and love from many CBD strains.
• Almost tastes like a herbal tea or fresh pipe tobacco.
• Flavor is nothing impressive, but it’s not terrible.

 

Vapor Quality: 5/5

• Smooth high-quality vapor.
• Didn’t cough once or feel any throat irritation from this vape.

 

Oil Quality: 2.5/5

• Apparent that the oil had become unstable and the components separated, leaving a marbleized appearance.
• Crystallization led to inconsistent hits (unless you heated the oil first).

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• This 20:1 CBD vape oil offered mild psychoactive effects, more than I expected from the nominal amount of THC (cannabinoid percentages would’ve been helpful).
• Effects of CBD were powerful and appreciated.
• Drank coffee while consuming cannabis and my heart didn’t start racing.

 

Ease of Use: 3/5

• Compatible with all standard 510-threaded pen style batteries.
• Small enough to fit in your pocket.
• If the oil separates or crystalizes, you may have to hit it with a little heat beforehand.

 

Consistency: 2.5/5

• Since the oil separated, consistent dosages and flavors are tricky.
• Medicine seems to give me consistent relief.
• Because I’m not getting the same experience with each cartridge, this gets a lower rating.

 

Price: 3/5

• At $45 for a half-gram cartridge, this is on par with other CBD-rich vapes on the market.
• Since you may have to restabilize the oil with heat, you may not want to spend this much.

 

Overall Rating: 3.4

 

Lola Lola’s The Gift 20:1 vape cartridge offers positive and powerful CBD relief. I was surprised to feel slight psychoactive effects considering the overwhelming ratio. Since the oil hardened, you probably don’t want to spend $45 on something you need to restabilize with heat. In that case, I’d suggest trying AbsoluteXtracts’ ACDC.

 

But if you don’t mind heating the oil, it’s well worth the money. Perfect to pair with your morning coffee to jump start your day. And that’s the way that I want it to stay. And I always want it to be that way for my Lola…Lo-lo-lo-lo Lola–DAMMIT!