Strain of the Month: Oregon Diesel

In previous times of hardship, political leaders sometimes promised a chicken in every pot. Nowadays we have a different kind of “pot” for tough situations! It seems like regardless of what ails you or whatever mood you would like to change or enhance, there is “essential” relief available in cannabis products.

Orgrow, the producer of this batch of Oregon Diesel, claims the title of the largest producer/processor in Central Washington. From its headquarters in Moxee, near Yakima, it grows both indoor and outdoor. The farm boasts more than 20,000 plants under cultivation and harvests 50 to 100 pounds per week.

These guys also claimed to be either “too big” or “too busy” to be bothered offering much more information about their production methods for me to pass on, but I learned that they grow in a coco medium for all grows, due to the poor soil quality in their area.

Not to be hindered by any concerns about carbon footprint, their monthly power bill comes to about $33,000 a month. But hey, it’s hydropower.

Before getting to the good part, the review, I do need to voice my disappointment about the lack of terpene testing. If we are ever going to progress to a point where cannabis can reliably relieve many common symptoms that we rely on pharmaceuticals for, a solid terpene profile is essential. Mandatory terpene testing is coming to the younger legal California cannabis industry, so we should look forward to our state making that move soon, as well. We would all benefit.

Appearance: The package included four small buds, nicely trimmed, with a good fresh bounce. It wasn’t much to look at, seeming to be the bottom of the barrel remnants thrown together to make a gram. Unfortunately, that’s the luck of the draw when buying small amounts. Nonetheless, these little bundles show an interesting blend of purple and light green studded with a thick, tight set of orange pistils. Under low magnification a heavy coat of trichomes subdues the colors sparkling in the light. On closer inspection you can see the dense, shiny cloak of amber web covering the entire surface. These appetizing sights increase the anticipation of what comes next.

Aroma: First impressions of soft lavender develop into a stronger, spicy oregano. There is a sweet tangerine citrus lying beneath the more forward herbaceous scents. This Oregon Diesel finishes with a deep earthiness of damp forest floor giving off a delicious fungal aroma. In the hit before, a bit more of the peppery bite came forward along with the faint sweet citrus. The smoke is remarkably smooth, both on the way in and out, where a flavor of brown butter invades the mouth while the air becomes infused with a clean, refined scent of wood. I couldn’t detect any diesel in this sample.

Effects: Shortly after ignition, there is a feeling that becomes a short pause. Expect the change suddenly, after that it will continue to carry onto further levels of relaxation. With a few good tokes, it should be fine for just about anyone, although I’ve read of warnings for beginners. Just remember: The enjoyment that comes can be as simple as observing, with wonder, the power of this plant. Expect heightened awareness of light and motion, of wind-blowing branches affecting the light hitting the floor. Pretty much all senses will be heightened and thoughts cleared while muscles loosen with no real reason to move. Overall, this strain offers a very relaxed body effect yet with sharp mental clarity. It can be a great choice for elevating pain and dark moods. There should be no complaints.