Time for the first review of 2009 – including 1 of a few new wrinkles we’ll be adding to reviews for the new year. Before we get drop the first feature, let’s get to the star of the show, one absolutely killer bud called Christmas Kush.

We all know there’s variance in everyday strains, there’s also heavy variance in different grades of Kush, and this one is straight deadly. As soon as you open the canister, Xmas hits you with a deep, dank smell. The buds are a dense, medium green with patches of lighter coloring in certain areas.

Santa must have dropped some extra THC down the chimney because Xmas Kush is sticky-dusted with crystals. You better use a grinder when prepping this for a joint or blunt, because finger-breaking the herb is a real pain in the ass. Still, you can power through if you need to because after the effort comes the fun part… smoking.

First hit of Christmas Kush is almost guaranteed to make you cough, it feels like getting punched in the chest. The high hits you ridiculously quickly, if not by the 1st hit, you’ll feel it on the 2nd. It spreads almost exactly the way it enters the body, basically getting whatever it touches immediately high – first the face, then into your chest, then dispersed to the rest of the body – 10 to 15 minutes after smoking, your whole body is lit up.

This bud was so good, we decided to take a macro look at it. Then we started messing with some lighting conditions. Then we started taking some hi-res shots. Finally, we decided to make it into a wallpaper – the first official tFS strain shot wallpaper.

The wallpaper is 2560×1600 and does some serious justice to this seasonal strain.

Check out all the glory in full resolution (open in new tab or window).

Today we’re reviewing Rowdy OG Kush.

If you just follow naming conventions when picking up strains, you might figure anything x OG Kush = amazing bud. That’s what I was hoping too, but straight away it was obvious something was rotten in Denmark.

The first indicators were smell and looks. This is a really, really dark bud that felt unusually dry. Anyone who smokes Kush knows ‘that’ smell. It’s the aroma all of us love. Rowdy OG just didn’t have it… no distinct, pungent smell that says, “Hope you’ve got nothing planned buddy.”

It appears as though this batch wasn’t cured correctly. While smoking, it again lacked the classic Kush taste. Instead, you got a chlorophyl aftertaste, which isn’t a great sign. Rowdy still tastes solid, but not as scrumptious as it should have.

Highness on this is strain is also solid (catching the trend yet?), which helped contribute to the 7 rating. It starts in the shoulder area and radiates from there, lasting anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Let’s hope this was an off batch, which is highly likely. Next time Rowdy is spotted at any local dispensaries, let us know. We definitely want to do a follow-up on this bud and see if this Kush variant can redeem its name.

There is one word that dominates this entire review — crystals! The medical marijuana strain pictured above is called Hollywood OG and has just about as many crystals as any strain I’ve come across yet. What better reason to review it?

This particular plant is not the strongest OG strain, but hey, can you really go wrong with any Kush? This bud got me medicated very quickly and effectively, starting in the head and slowly moving downwards to the body. Still, the strongest effects are felt in the head region. It left me high for almost 3 hours and provided a smooth come down.

While stizzied up on this bud, I strongly suggest watching a good movie or listening to a great album because once the full high kicks in, it’s tough do anything that requires lots of movement.

My overall impression of this Hollywood OG is that it is one high-end marijuana bud. Though a bit on the steep side, the high it provides more than makes up for any deficiences. Still, I’m not so sure why this particular OG strain is called Hollywood other than I purchased it in Hollywood. Go figure.

The ever-popular Kush strain is highly sought after and also highly available in Southern California. One of the more popular sub-strains of this eye-reddening varietal is Super Bubba Kush.

Effects from this strain are powerful and heavy. The high starts in the face and spreads rapidly towards the rest of the body. Super Bubba puts in a solid day’s work with well over 2 hours of body-numbing effects. Unfortunately, the come down is harsh and abrupt, leaving you almost brain dead for a few hours afterwards.

Super Bubba Kush is an all around all-star bud, if you can afford it. One thing you get along with the VIP name and effects is the VIP price.

Make sure you clear your calendar accordingly after burning this strain and plan something to do that doesn’t require a lot of movement and/or thought.

White Widow is one of the most famous cannabis strains in the modern era. I have only come across this strain twice and both times it has really done the job. This indica and sativa hybrid is a great all around bud that gets you lifted quickly and heavily.

The effects from this top-quality herb are extreme. The buzz is powerful and energetic, yet social, leaving you feeling somewhat energized. The taste is divine and very sweet. A must for anyone who thinks they are a true strain connoisseur!

Most people automatically assume that kush’s are the best strains around, but beware of the mighty White Widow. A mid-priced bud that is sure to hit the spot and then some.

Most dispensaries tend to have high-profile buds like a trainwreck or kush variant alongside some very random strains. Today, its the lesser known strain that gets the spotlight and it goes by the simple-yet-descriptive name of Mango.

As expected, the taste follows the constant theme of this mango bud. It’s extremely fruity and the smoke any hint of harshness or a nasty afterbite. The high hits the body quickly remaining for around 2 hours. On the positive side, the effects aren’t overpowering to the point where you can’t function after smoking.

This hybrid of indica’s is a great experience with its big rich colorful buds and is sure to make and keep you satisfied. Dispensaries always seem to have random strains, however, this one is a diamond in the rough.

Looking for a no non-sense herb without the frills? Hash Plant is one of those indeed, lacking just about everything besides the stone.

The earthy flavor of the smoke left something to be desired, a taste similar to chlorophyll (a likely symptom of improper curing.) A good aspect about Hash Plant is its very resinous nature, so you know the end result will be just fine. The high is very nice. It starts in the chest area and gradually works its way up north. The stone lasts for around two to three hours.

If you don’t like all that glitz and glamor with rock star buds like kush, then Hash Plant might be right for you. Although it’s over-priced, doesn’t taste very good, and is kind of malodorous; it tries to compensate in the effects department and does so admirably. Honestly, if you spend an extra five bucks, you can get a bud that excels in all departments. Spend the extra five bucks.

Well, this is a definite first for tFS. The rating and name speaks for itself. Master Kush, an indica strain, is the best medical marijuana money can buy.

In addition, the smoke has a sweet zip to it and doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste in the mouth. The high hits hard & quickly from the beginning, mostly starting in the head and moving its way throughout in a matter of minutes.

There aren’t many significant negatives that stand out other than the fact that it can be too intense at times. Yes, too intense. And this 10 out of 10 kush strain is not cheap by any means, but hey if you can afford it, saddle up cowboy! You will not be disappointed.

True OG Kush is one of the “ultimate” kush strains found in sunny Southern California. Very few other strains seem to compare to True OG’s unique scent, taste, and mental & physical effects.

This strain is no joke, seriously. If you want the cream of the crop in the kush realm, here it is. Come to think of it, True OG should come with a warning label about inducing an extreme level of munchie impulses.

From the land of indicas comes a great strain called Super Silver Kush. A great indica bud that packs an above-average performance for a mid-range price.

Overall, this is just a good kush from California that isn’t too heavy on the pockets.

Some of the pot we review here on tFS is about as good as it gets. Still, not everyone has the funds to be dropping $75 – $80 every single 1/8th, so we’re going to make sure to cover all spectrums of the medical strains available. Today, I’m reviewing a moderately priced batch of buds called Mr. Nice.

It’s always nice to come across a strain that not only smokes well but doesn’t burn a fat whole in the wallet. I’d recommend this to budget and luxury smokers alike.

One thing I have to say about this Sour Diesel is don’t under estimate it! For only $20 a gram this is a powerful sativa/indica breed. Sour diesels have always been a crowd pleaser and now I know why.

I have come across many strains of sativa kush in my day, however, the Real Deal Bubba Kush is by far one of the best I have ever seen. Looks like I’m lucky that my first review is of some.

Effects from this kush start at the head and progressively move outwards until a nice, intense high is rocking throughout your entire body. Please do not operate heavy machinery. Sit back, kick it and enjoy the ride!

The high lasts a long time, well over 2 hours. This kush is really potent and one of the best I’ve ever come across. However, it can milk the cash cow very easily.

Overall, this strain has it all. If you are looking for an intense, long lasting high then this is your bud. The pictures don’t even do it justice!

Right on the heels of dropping our Strawberry Soda review, it’s time for another tFS first – medical marijuana reviews. The inaugural herb to go under our microscope is Purple Passion. An indica dominant strain with a bite much bigger than it’s bark.

Lighting up is when everything starts to improve. The flavor is light & smooth with no funk in the aftertaste.

Effects start around your back/shoulder areas and progressively move outwards until a nice, relaxed high kicks in. This is the perfect time to cue up some chill beats and take a seat, you’re going to be kicking it for a while. The high lasts a long time, well over 2 hours. The indica settles in and really pulsates your shoulders, body core and upper arms.

Overall, this strain has surprised me. The exterior hides what the smell and taste let you know instantly – this is some high quality bud.