Weed Coast: The Soothing Strain That Will Combat the January Blues

“I was awake enough to apply a face mask and take a bath, but relaxed enough to actually enjoy it.”

I have had the fortune of being born in what society deems the most depressing month of the year. When January rolls around my news feed becomes a jarring combination of birthday wishes and click-bait titled: “5 ways to survive Blue Monday” or “why January sucks.” It’s not too difficult to figure out why people harbour hatred for the first month of a new year—the bills from Christmas can no longer be ignored, all those champagne-induced resolutions are calling for action and the sky is a permanent shade of dull grey.

Despite the draw to wallow in the yuckiness, however, I am rather fond of January. It’s my time of year to indulge in some serious goal setting. This year, amidst the downpours, I turned 26. In tune with a new year and another birthday, I set my annual intentions. I decided to scrap the standard go-to resolutions, like promising to actually use my gym membership or stop using beer as my main source of hydration, and instead focus on a new concept: self-love.

I’ve committed 2018 to spending more time and energy on tangible acts of personal care and positive reinforcement. This means living healthier, challenging myself and taking time to focus inwards. In stride, I decided to try a few strains to help inspire a meditative and calming headspace. I struggle to unwind at the end of a work day so finding something to ease that transition into bed would be my first act of self-love. Enter: Skywalker, a hybrid favouring its relaxing indica parents.

I struggle to unwind at the end of a work day so finding something to ease that transition into bed would be my first act of self-love. Enter: Skywalker, a hybrid favouring its relaxing indica parents.

Straight away I noticed Skywalker has a delightfully floral, rose odor. Considering this light, sweet aroma, I was shocked to find the smoke was quite thick and earthy. I could only pull about half of what I normally would simply because it was tough to hold and left me coughing. The flavour profile of Skywalker, however, was incredible. Rich in tasty terpenes, this bud is fresh, sweet and reminiscent of honeydew melon. There is something inherently comforting about pampering yourself with a strain that tastes and smells this delicious. It was very on-theme with my whole new self-care regimen.

Don’t let the name fool you; this strain won’t take you on a journey to a galaxy far, far away. It started as a light physical high in my upper body, removing a few layers of stress or strain, then settled into a deep full body relaxation. Unlike other heavy-hitting indicas, Skywalker definitely has a few sativa characteristics making it ideal for an end of day buzz. I find the couch-lock and grogginess that accompanies quality indicas to be a turn off, as it kills potential productivity or creativity. This strain, however, keeps you mentally alert and clear-headed, and combats any negative thoughts that may be swirling before bedtime. I was awake enough to apply a face mask and take a bath, but relaxed enough to actually enjoy it. Finally, it ends off with a sedative comedown…which means you’re about to treat yourself to a killer night of rest.

This strain is the ultimate compliment to any self-love routine: it eases tension, quiets negativity and fills you with a gentle euphoria. So, although January may be the proverbial Monday of 2018, it doesn’t mean we’ll go down without a fight. When you feel the pull to the Dark Side, break out a little Skywalker and practice slowing down and bask in the positive, rose-scented vibes.

Skywalker

The breakdown: Indica-dominant hybrid. $11/gram. WeeMedical Dispensary. 109 1st St E

Find more of Piper’s pot recommendations here.