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Ohio Strain Review:
Sundae Driver
It’s Always Sunny With Sundae Driver...
Review & Photos by: Randy Shaffer
Packaging: First Impressions
We’ve discussed Song Wellness and Josh D cannabis containers in the past. Song Wellness is expected to transition out of the dry flower market in the coming months. They will become a processed cannabis label for things like creams, edibles and tinctures. For now, Song Wellness will continue selling dry flower. This flower is contained in a white glass jar.
This bottle of Song cannabis was slightly different from my last jar in one way — the lid. While all other Josh D and Song Wellness strains I’ve seen have featured a glossy white plastic lid, this bottle sports a matte finish white plastic lid. Exciting, I know! But frankly, I actually prefer the matte finish. It feels nice in the hands, and makes the bottle just slightly easier to open.
Cannabis Look: Out of the Bottle
Sundae Driver is an indica strain, a cross of Fruity Pebbles OG and Grape Pie. This strain is striking, to say the least. It features a wide array of colors on the surface of the colas ranging from rich, inky purples hiding throughout the nugs, to lush pine greens and grass greens on the leaves.
There are also dazzling sparks of orange, like flickering flames in a fire. Trichomes cover the colas in a sea of creamy white and honey amber.
The nugs themselves were on the smaller side, about the size of a dime. The largest nug in my jar was about the size of a nickel. I also noticed a few stems that could have been trimmed, but nothing significant enough to warrant a return of the product.
How Does It Grind?
The colas ground up with relative ease. I did find the first few turns of the grinder to be a little sticky. Patients with pain in their fingers may want to use a rubber grip when grinding, or ask a caretaker to help. That said, this strain isn’t too bad to grind, so most patients need not worry.
The strain grinds down to a nice sticky consistency that’s just about perfect for vaping. The gorgeous array of colors present on the colas only open up once the buds are ground. Purples and oranges are a serious standout here.
Smell Before Vaping
Song Wellness and Josh D are well-known for the unique aromas they cultivate with their strains. Sundae Driver carries that tradition. In fact, this strain delivers a fascinating aroma, unlike any other cannabis strain I’ve smelled.
The initial burst of scents reminded me of pepper and clove. This aroma is strong! When I opened the bottle for the first time, it was like letting a rabid tiger out of its cage. My entire office filled with this scent, and it did not dissipate for almost an hour. This is likely thanks to the Caryophyllene terpene, also found in cloves.
There is also a sharp aroma that catches the senses after the initial hit of pepper and clove oil. This aroma carries with it hints of lavender, but the dominating scent is akin to lime.
I’m reminded of craft kombucha drinks, where the mixtures, like lemon and cayenne, can sometimes sound like opposites, but somehow they are uniquely simpatico. That’s the case here with Sundae Driver. Lime and pepper don’t seem like they would mix, but the combination is intoxicating and delightfully refreshing, though far from subtle.
The Taste Test
I vaped this medical cannabis with an Arizer ExtremeQ vaporizer. I like to start my first bag at a lower temperature to open the terpenes, and work up to a higher temp to vaporize the cannabinoids.
I was a little worried a peppery aroma would yield a very peppery taste. While I like a spicy cannabis strain, I don’t like having the sense that I have a mouthful of spices on my tongue. Thankfully, Sundae Driver delivers a gentle taste, like a bouquet of flowers passing by the nostrils. And the aftertaste has subtle hints of this strain’s cross, Fruity Pebbles.
Lavender takes a front seat for the first several hits. This dissipates as you continue medicating, and eventually a clove or pepper flavor reaches the palette. By the time it does, the strong scent of clove and pepper has calmed to a gentle taste that is wonderfully accented by the lime notes.
Unfortunately, the taste dissipates rather quickly, though. I was vaping my cannabis into a vape bag. The first bag was loaded with flavor. But by the third bag, the terpenes seemed to vanish. But not all great things in life are meant to last. Enjoy those first two hits… they are an absolute delight.
A refreshing fruity wine, even a zin, would be excellent with this strain. A sweet green tea would also be a charming complement.
Medicinal Benefits and Side Effects I Noted
The medicinal benefits noted below are for educational purposes only, and are not a substitute for the advice of a medical practitioner or licensed budtender.
This Tier II strain contains 23.90% THC and 26.80% THCA. It also contains 0.0% CBD and 0.11% CBDA. Note: This strain contains ample amounts of THC. Patients sensitive to this compound may want to take it slow, or consult a medical cannabis physician or budtender before trying this strain.
Song Wellness has another knockout for pain and depression here with Sundae Driver. My family is going through a very tough time right now. As a result, symptoms of PTSD, like depression and anxiety, have been in overdrive as I wait out some painful news with my family.
My cannabis consultant directed me to give Sundae Driver a try, suggesting it would help not only with my PTSD, but also my overall mood. She also suggested its terpenes would potentially help with pain and inflammation.
I vaped this cannabis into a vape bag. My first bag didn’t entirely hit me until it was very nearly cached. But as it did, I could feel my senses being lifted. I felt more happy and able to function. I was able to make a difficult phone call, and complete tasks that seemed nearly impossible just hours before.
And the budtender was not lying — pain and inflammation were reduced as well. I was able to get some chores done around the house, lift weights and find time for a stormy hike through the rain — each adding to that refreshing sense of calm and relaxation. These effects lasted for several hours, and helped me get through a tough week. Patients with similar issues may find relief with this strain.
Final Thoughts on Sundae Driver
Calyx Peak continues to impress with their awesome selection of strains. Even if one doesn’t work for a patient, they have several others that are sure to entice the senses and help with healing.
Sundae Driver is a colorful, tasty treat, with a fascinating aroma and excellent medicinal properties. Add this one to your cart next time you visit an Ohio medical marijuana dispensary. It is not likely to disappoint.
But this is the question that continues to loom over every patient in Ohio
This strain takes a minute to work, but once it does, it only gets stronger and more intense as you continue to vape it.
Sundae Driver is by far the best strain I’ve found in five months for acute migraine attacks, postdrome, and chronic headache related issues. It does not have heavy couch-lock effects and also mixes well with sativas for daytime use.
I was very distressed to read that Calyx Peak will cease flower sales soon as they’ve been the sole purveyor of Sundae Driver to date. I certainly hope they continue, or another grower (or several) cultivate this excellent bud.
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