Strain Integrity

According to Leafly, ” Shishkaberry, or “Kish,” is an indica-dominant hybrid that came about from crossing DJ Short Blueberry with an unknown Afghani strain. This plant will mature in 8 to 9 weeks and should yield a fairly high amount of flowers. Shiskaberry’s buds have a fruit and berry aroma and will be painted with shades of purple. Its initial head buzz is happy and good for finishing things up or being social, but will slip into a lazy high over time. ”

Barney’s Farm’s description, the breeder, ” ShiskaBerry is the result of the crossing between Blueberry and Afghan. This is a unique indica dominant creation with enormous yields and effects. The flowering period takes only 8-9 weeks indoors and the harvest brings 500-600 gr/m². The plant can grow up to 1.2m outdoors and produce up to 2kg of delicious buds. A dry climate is ideal for cultivation. The smoke brings pungent earthy and spicy notes and deep relaxation with a feeling of happiness. “

According to the Color Cannabis’s website, ” Grown in the summer months, Summer Shishkaberry, or “Kish,” is an indica dominant hybrid that came about from crossing DJ Short Blueberry with an unknown Afghani strain. Shiskaberry’s profile contains terpenes that are commonly associated with a fruit and berry aroma in various plants. The flowers can have shades of purple. ”

The price is right

First thing first, you should know we are BIG fans of WEEDMD, or Color Cannabis.  Out first review on this website was WEEDMD versus 7 Oaks on Ultra Sour and WEEDMD won.  It has been 6 months since we reviewed a WEEDMD’s product now selling under a new brand name Color Cannabis.   We chose Summer Shishkaberry because this is a well known strain and there are currently some amazing Shishkaberry strains in the grey market to compare against.

This is a fast effect strain and the effects change over time.  Before you even finish your session, you are high.  It starts with an immediate effect on your mind.  It is not a crystal clear start but slippery slide.  You know the sensation in your mind when you start to slide on ice?  It kinda of feels like that similar to a haze strain.  There is euphoria and lightness of mind and body.  It feels very sativa like with the energy levels.  The creativeness is also present.  This is an Indica strain we use like a sativa.

At the one hour mark, you would think the effects are getting stronger but it is just the Indica expressions manifesting itself.  Your mind is now feeling heavier and hazier, which could be mistaken for increasing strength.  The intensity of the experience declines after the hour mark and continues to diminish.  The duration for us is about an 1.75 hours from beginning to end.  There is always some lingering effects but it’s really negligible.  There is minimal tiredness at the end.

At 12.28% THC, this is at the very bottom of the range.  Packaged on September 5, 2019, the buds were dry .  There’s some fragrance of fruitiness and very little hint of it’s Indica heritage.   Despite the low THC, the high delivers a full spectrum effect where all the expressions (euphoria, happiness and creativity) are noticeable and enjoyable.  This is what people mean when they say THC does not matter.  But, it does.  THC affects the intensity and duration.

We are sorry to report that the grey market Shishkaberry is at least twice as good.  But, the best Shishkaberry grey market is more expensive at $40 for 3.5 grams versus $28.60 for Color Cannabis.  The grey market delivers significantly higher intensity energy and creativity.  But, this Summer Shishkaberry delivers the goods too with a bit less intensity.  The price is right.

Conclusion

Summer Shishkaberry by Color Cannabis

There’s a lot of chatter about the grey market and how it is so much cheaper and better.  The legal market is competitive even with a huge 90% government markup.  We compared Color Shishkaberry with the best Shishkaberry in the grey market and while the grey market effects were significantly more intense and vibrant it is also cost significantly more.   At this price point for Summer Shishkaberry, this strain can compete with the grey market.  Similar effects and intensity are priced at the same price point as Color’s products.  And, it’s legal and safer.

Summer Shishkaberry is a decent rendition of the strain.  It does not incapacitate the user and provide a full strain experience albeit at a lower intensity.   For a 12% THC rating, this strain hits above that rating because the strain profile is fully expressed making the experience more satisfying.  We have tried beautiful looking buds with 18% THC rating from non-traditional growers and the experience is muted.   The strain expressions are just not there and all you get is time dilation, a function of higher THC.   This Summer Shishkaberry with lower THC rating do, however, provide the full spectrum experience, which makes it feel more potent.

THC: 12.28%

Quality: 7.0

Intensity: 6.5

Duration: 7.6

Total: 7.0

Cost: $28.60 for 3.5 grams

In conclusion, Summer Shishkaberry is a lower intensity rendition of Shishkaberry that is viewed more of a table wine category.   It’s not something you would gravitate to for special occasions.

On an investment note, the competitive strength of the legal market is conclusive when we use RIFF’s DT81 against similar grey market products.  DT81 hits harder, cheaper and stronger than any similar price point products in the grey market all for under $10 a gram.  The high end grey market is marked by the $10 a gram price point, or $280 to $300 an ounce.  This is a stable price point because that is what the connoisseurs have paid and will pay for the best.  This pricing model is proven and sustainable.  When we find a legal producer with competitive products against this metric, we have a winner.

Aphria and WEEDMD are two low cost sellers with strong effects in their products that can compete against any grey market offerings.   The high end of the legal market is as good or better than the high end of the grey market.  But, the high end legal products cost at least 30% more.  Broken Coast, Whistler Medical, Grail and Qwest are some high end producers in the legal market whose products are some of the finest cannabis produced against nearly 50 years of cannabis consumption experience.