Strain Integrity

According to Leafly, ” Maui Wowie (not Maui Waui) is a classic sativa whose tropical flavors and stress-relieving qualities will float you straight to the shores of Hawaii where this strain originally comes from. Since its beginnings in the island’s volcanic soil, Maui Wowie has spread across the world to bless us with its sweet pineapple flavors and high-energy euphoria. Lightweight effects allow your mind to drift away to creative escapes, while Maui Wowie’s motivating, active effects may be all you need to get outside and enjoy the sun. ”

On Hexo’s website, ” To the ancient Greeks, Helios was a handsome and strapping young god who had one sweet ride: a chariot of the sun. HEXO’s version of Helios is a high THC dried flower product. ”

Based on a number of references, Hexo’s Helios is a variant of Maui Wowie.  Again, we are unsure as to why LPs put their own spin on the strain.

Testing a Classic

This is the strain we would have picked as the most impact-full in our cannabis experience over the last 45 years.  This is the strain Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin may be best able to judge as it was the first joint they smoked when they met in their first movie “Up in Smoke.”   Our first and only experience with Maui Wowie was a pinner between 5 graphic designers at the Kootenay School of Art and we were hallucinating.   That was in 1978.  Something happened between 1978 and now.  Either the strain had degraded or we have increased our tolerance, which would be unfortunate.   We, however, applaud Hexo for bringing a classic to market.

With the greatest of anticipation, we begin our review.  Immediately after inhalation, your mind clears and calmness enters.  A slight uplift in mood and happiness slowly emerges.  The “high” really starts about ten minutes after inhalation.   This is a heady high filled with a strong uplift against a background of happiness.  Cerebral stimulation is also present and becoming more absorptive as the high progress.  Helios expressions of Leafly’s Maui Wowie is on point.

Helios gives us a classic sativa high.  It is of medium intensity, which means you can function.  After the initial intense introduction to the cerebral stimulation creating a mild disorientation, the cerebral effects smooths out after half an hour and the high can be weaponized to get things done.  The combination of uplift, creativeness and euphoria at a medium intensity level makes this strain an excellent working strain.  It could be used as a java jolt replacement with a creativity boost.  Helios is highly weaponize-able as in a strain that can help you get many different type of chores done because of it’s medium intensity.

Medium is usually a negative rating but this medium intensity is colourful.   All the expressions like uplift, euphoria and creativeness are noticeable, not muted.  Activity pairing may include social gatherings and any physical activities.

THC was 15.6%.  Test was on 0.26 grams.  The bud was dry.  There is a floral scent with a hint of pepper in the background.  The taste was a bit harsh with some hints of citrus flavour.  Overall visual presentation was appealing.

The Helios effect starts to diminish noticeably past the 90 minute mark.  At the end of two hours, there is little to no fatigue.  It’s a very soft landing.

Conclusion

Helios (Maui Wowie) by Hexo

Our review of Hexo’s Horizon (Kali Mist) wet our appetite for Hexo’s products.   Helios did not disappoint.  While the past experience with Maui Wowie was a landmark, this is more the norm.  Forty years is a long time to keep an original strain intact.  This new variation of the legendary strain is more inline with other high quality sativa experiences.

We are very impressed with Hexo.  Their recent announcement of selling ounces with discount prices in Quebec is a step in the right direction, which we hope will be a growing trend with LPs.

THC: 15.6%

Quality: 8.0

Intensity: 7.4

Duration: 7.8

Total: 7.7

Cost: $32.55 for 3.5 grams

While we do not put too much of a weighting on price, we would like to highlight a reasonable pricing for Helios.   We believe there is good value with this strain especially at this price point.

On an investment note, we are very impressed with Hexo’s ability to deliver a high quality product.  We are glad they are now more focus on the flower business versus the extract concentrate market in the form of beverages.   With products like this and new volume pricing strategy, the future is bright for Hexo once they reconfigure, which they are in the process of doing.

Valuation is still in the nose bleed territory driven by their corporate partners in the beverage industry.  Hexo valued at close to $700 million versus WEEDMD at $131 million or FIRE (7 Acres) at $290 million?  WEEDMD is Colour Cannabis, which is one of the highest ranking brands in the Reddit community.  Broken Coast and 7 Acres are also highly regarded brands.   We like you Hexo but your stock is still expensive.