As a competitive rugby player, at least a part of what I’m usually seeking is immediate relief from all of the bruises and aches I incur on the field, plus help with rest and recovery. I find that CBD helps a ton with inflammation and healing overnight, while THC gives me more immediate and powerful pain relief. THC also comes in handy post-competition when I need to refuel my body ASAP with calories and macros, but my belly doesn’t feel ready to accept food right away. THC (and CBD to a more mild degree) fix that right up for me by stimulating my appetite, relaxing my stomach, and getting my gastric juices flowing freely again.

At a 2:1 ratio of CBD:THC, this particular pre-roll hit a therapeutic sweet spot for me—particularly at putting me to sleep quickly after rugby practice on my first session with it. With all of the hormones and endorphins pumping post-workout, it can be challenging to quiet your body and mind enough to sleep in the first few hours after intense exercise, but it’s crucial to be able to get rest as quickly as possible. With a 6am workout looming the morning after a 7-9pm training session, I so appreciate the pre-roll’s gentle but powerful ability to soothe me right off to dreamland. The deliciously drowsy effects were probably due not just to the CBD, but also high levels of the terpene myrcene, which can aid in sleep and relaxation. In addition to the soothing effects, I noticed there was a definite mango note to the pre-roll’s pre-combustion aroma.

Speaking of the scent, this joint had pleasantly alluring earthy and herbal tones, with hints of dry wood in addition to the mango. Upon combustion, those earthy herbal scents evolved into a slightly floral taste with hints of cinnamon and a distinct cherry aftertaste most people often associate with CBD-rich herb. It made a difference that the pre-roll burned smoothly with an even draw that felt relatively clean in my lungs. It also came in my preferred joint size of one half-gram of flower and had a nice extended crutch with a long elegant shape. Why would this be important, you ask? Well, the length makes the joint more user-friendly and comfortable to smoke because it keeps the combustion further from your face, making it much easier to finish off the joint as it dwindles down. It also feels just a tad fancier in your hand, which is another small satisfaction. Graceful smoking can be a pleasure unto itself, y’all!

“This truly was my idea of a fantastic evening, folks.”

On my second session, which was more recreational, the pre-roll offered me mental relaxation and a chill mood. It allowed me to let go of my cares and kick back, fully enjoying every hilarious and dramatic nuance of my favorite show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. At the same time, it greatly enhanced the already awesome snacks I was enjoying. I can only compare the flavor experience to driving through a beautiful winding landscape; each turn gives you a gorgeous new view in the same way the flavor of this pre-roll surprised me with every pull. This truly was my idea of a fantastic evening, folks. If you like a side of easygoing, goofy THC silliness with your CBD, this might be an excellent option for you, too.

Like I was saying before, the biggest quality in my mind with this pre-roll was that it eased me into a very quenching, high-quality sleep. Waking the next day, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, my aches and pains quieted. This is key for me, as I’m in my 18th year of playing rugby and those chronic pains have definitely added up. That lovely 2:1 CBD to THC ratio is a huge part of that, in my opinion, and anyone who deals with consistent inflammation will likely appreciate it as much as I did. After completing my blind ratings, I found out this was Frank’s Gift, which made sense as this strain is a favorite of medical patients and known for reliable, consistently soothing effects.

“As it turns out, I am a taste bud genius.”

I was also pleased to learn that the grower was Phantom Farms, a Clean Green Certified cultivator who received a terpene award at the 2018 Cultivation Classic. If you haven’t heard of it, that’s Oregon’s most scientifically rigorous and earth-focused cannabis competition. I checked out Phantom’s submission data on the Cult Classic website, and lo and behold there was a Frank’s Gift sample. And the terpene profile? Boom: high myrcene. Double boom: cineole. As it turns out, I am a taste bud genius. But seriously, it was so satisfying to see actual scientific evidence for the mango scent and subtle cinnamon taste I thought I’d picked up. Call me a nerd, but I love learning about what I’m consuming down to the molecular level—and I know I’m not alone in this, friends! May all cannabis nerds unite and indulge in more relaxing pre-rolls like these.