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What is Pineapple Express?

You’ve no doubt at least heard about the titular stoner classic film – but what do we know about its namesake strain?

Pineapple Express is a saliva-dominant hybrid strain of marijuana that combines my personal favorite, Trainwreck (potent sativas for the win!), with Hawaiian. These two strains combine and bring the best of their respective citrus-y, pine-y, and peppery notes. This strain will leave you energized, creative, and upbeat, with a terpene profile that will encourage pain relief.

Pineapple Express Strain Profile (Live Terpene Distillate)

For this review, I actually purchased/used a distillate cartridge that had live terpenes extracted from the plant before the curing process, when the terpenes would typically become terpenoids due to oxidation during drying. The extracted terpenes are then added back into the oil after the plant is cured and the oil is extracted. This enhances both the flavor profile and effects of the extract.

Here’s what the version of the strain used for this review tells me about what’s inside:

• THCA 0.000%
• THC 79.827%
• THCV 0.456%
• CBD 0.000%
• CBDA 0.000%
• CBGA 0.000%
• CBN 0.055%
• CBG 4.569%
• CBC 0.292%

Check out this terpene profile:

• B-Caryophyllene 0.696%
• B-Myrcene 0.361%
• B-Pinene 0.283%
• a-Pinene 0.822%
• Limonene 1.246%
• Bisabolol 0.077%
• a-Humulene 0.292%
• Terpinolene 0.672%
• Linalool 0.170%

Indica vs. Sativa:

• Sativa Dominant
• Both parent strains are sativa dominant
• Expect little to no indica characteristics

Pineapple Express (Live Terpene Distillate) Scent & Flavor Profile

I did get this one as a cartridge, so the scent profile is minimal – this is a benefit for people in apartments or other living situations where the odor of marijuana needs to be minimized. Cartridges are great for discreet smoke sessions, but you do lose a bit of the profiles of the plant. since this cartridge has the live terpenes, you do get more of the pine scent, even through the glass cartridge.

What I will say is that for what it loses in smell, this extract makes up for in flavor. This strain of extract rings through with the pine-y taste of its parent strains with a nice & easy uplifting note of citrus on the exhale. It’s easy to smoke, packing a wicked punch – this one takes me back to college days and a Saturday afternoon with the whole night ahead.

Overall Thoughts

This strain has quickly become a favorite of mine and this particular form of Pineapple Express, in the convenient & low odor cartridge, is a great way to consume your cannabis on-the-go.

Personally, I tend to use this strain when Trainwreck isn’t available, or if I’m planning to be more active on a given day. It’s definitely more energizing than Trainwreck, and can cause more of a giddy and creative feeling.

Pros:

• Definitely a strong mood boost! This strain lifts your mood and can be a giddy high that gives you those classic giggle fits that you can’t control.
• For me, the mood boost = creativity boost. So double win!
• More popular/the name is more recognizable, so I’ve had an easier time being able to find Pineapple Express at the dispensary than some similar strains that I’m a fan of.
• The cartridge form of this strain helps to reduce and minimize smell, which is a major positive for those living in apartments or any other situation where being discreet is key.

Cons:

• This strain can creep up on you – since it comes on giddy and energizing, it’s tempting to smoke a liiiiiiittle too much, producing some anxiety/paranoia if you’re prone to it.
• The popularity/name recognition can also make Pineapple Express hard to get depending on the time of year (*cough* April *cough*), as many people who wouldn’t normally buy this strain will get it for the gimmick.
• The cartridge/extract form loses some flavor and scent profile, and diminishes the true form of the plant to some degree. (Spoiler alert: I’m a bit of a purist). However, in states where only medical marijuana is legally available, this is the most convenient way to consume via vaping, as it is easily transported, charged, and used.

**Remember: take it slow – you can always consume more cannabis, but it’s nearly impossible to un-consume it.**

Conclusion: A Classic

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