Strain Integrity

Headstash according to Broken Coast, ” QUADRA (AKA Headstash) is an indica dominant strain with a perfect combination of aroma, flavour and appearance. Beautiful frosty purples and bright greens in an exceptionally dense flower. The smoke is thick and powerful with funky kush, earthy and woody flavours with notes of mandarin zest. Dominant terpenes include Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Terpineol. This strain is a true quad that generally produces higher THC levels. Quadra is grown indoors in strain specific rooms, slow cured & hand trimmed, preserving the quality and large dense buds Broken Coast is known for. Over 100 consumer reviews report calming, happy and sedative effects. ”

According to Karma Genetics, the Breeder, ” An indica-dominant strain with a complex genetic profile. Headstash clinched 1st prize in the Best Indica category at the 2015 Amsterdam Elite Cup. Derived from a three-way cross of the immensely popular Girl Scout Cookies, Cannarado’s Cherrie Pie and a KarmaRado OG male, Karma Genetics then felt that the strain could use some more OG Kush influence, so they spliced the genetics with their flagship Biker Kush to create Headstash. ”

Quadra’s little brother, Hawaii Heartbreak

Is “Hawaii Heartbreak” an Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole’s song?   Whose “Heart” was broken? Hawaii?  What?  At 19.06% THC, Hawaii Heartbreak cost $31.86 for 3 grams, which was $10.62 a gram times three.  Quadra sells for $48 for 3.5 grams when available.  Packaged on December 14, 2019, and today is April 6, 2020, the flowers were still fresh and smelled exactly like Quadra, a really piney medicinal herbal dank scent.

This Hawaii Heartbreak taste exactly like Broken Coast Quadra.  The flowers were not as greasy as Broken Coast’s Quadra, which is always sticky.  The “high” starts with noticeable mental acceleration creating a feeling of lift, a lightness of mind.  There is a slight pressure on our temples but it is not a headband like Quadra.  With Quadra, we felt pressure around our head hence the “headband,” which can happen with very high levels of THC on a number of strains.  The “high” is very similar to Quadra.  It looks, smells, tastes and feels like Quadra.  Wow.

For those of you who have not heard of Quadra, Broken Coast Quadra is a heavy hitting Indica highly regarded in the Cannabis community.  Hawaii Heartbreak is an exact copy of Quadra grown by a different grower, RIFF.  But, the effects are different.  Key difference is Quadra delivers a more Full Spectrum experience.  The intensity of Quadra is stronger.  Quadra’s expressions like euphoria and cerebral stimulation are much stronger.  But, Hawaii Heartbreak has it all but at a lower intensity across the range of expressions.  This maybe a validation of Broken Coast grower’s skill as superior to many growers.  But, Hawaii Heartbreak is a lot cheaper and delivers a competitive alternative.

Activity pairing to some extend is determine by tolerance as this is a heavier Indica strain meaning stronger body relaxation effects, which means some lethargy.  The increase of energy with all cannabis strain in the first hour, however, can help sustain some level of physical demands.  We could go for walks but it is probably more enjoyable sitting by the fire chatting or just listening to music.  After all, you are in Indica “Bliss” land.

Duration is around the two hours mark.  There is some tiredness at the end and slumber maybe the finale?

Conclusion

Hawaii Heartbreak (Headstash) by RIFF (Aphria)

We learned something from this review.  We learned the relationship between the cultivar and the herb is reflected in our user experience.  The Hawaii Heartbreak and Quadra “highs” are exactly on point and on note except Quadra hits all those notes out of the ball park.  Quadra’s notes, expressions, are fuller,  richer and more colourful.  We think Broken Coast growers have a more intimate nurturing relationship with their herbs and a more complex grow skill to produce psychedelic herbs like they do.   But at under $10 a gram compared to $13.71 a gram for Quadra, RIFF’s Hawaii Heartbreak is a great option except for those with money burning a hole in their pocket.

THC: 19.06%

Quality: 8.0

Intensity: 8.0

Duration: 8.0

Total: 8.0

Cost: $33.45 for 3.5 grams

This may seem like a review promoting Quadra but it is only because Quadra is the Benchmark.  Hawaii Heartbreak is an exact replica of the Benchmark.  Would we buy this again?  Yes.  It’s a mighty fine dinning table wine.  You have everything with Hawaii Heartbreak and it is a lot cheaper.

On an investment note, this review is another confirmation of Aphria’s ability to execute.  Remember the Jamaican fiasco created by some short seller report on Aphria?  Today, Aphria looks to be the bellwether for the prospects of LPs in Canada.  Poised to show sustainable positive cash flow and growth, we think the best days for Aphria are coming.