Kayla’s Pick for October 2019
Diamond OG
Since Carrol Channing crooned that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ in 1949, that phrase has stuck like glue over the years, with nearly every commercial for a jewelry store featuring a woman and a diamond. In all fairness to diamonds, they are beautiful, but I’ve found one that I prefer much more to the stone: Diamond OG. This evenly-split hybrid is truly one of a kind. An offspring of the ever-popular OG Kush and a mystery strain, its effects leans extremely heavily to the indica side of the spectrum, making it an invaluable addition for some patients.
What’s almost immediately noticeable about this strain is the scent. The moment you open the jar or container it’s in, there’s no other word for it besides potent. It’s one of those strains that just smells sticky-sweet, and it’s also one of the most curious combinations of scents. Diamond OG is heavy with pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene, and this unique terpene profile is what gives it such a kick. It’s reminiscent of a lemon in the forest; that citrusy hint cuts through the piney, woodsy-ness, and the combination is an extremely relaxing aroma, even in the jar. Once you grind it up, though, it releases this really sharp and spicy aroma that is incredibly noticeable. I found the scent, and stickiness, lingered on my hands fairly heavily after handling it, so be mindful if you’re trying to keep the smell to a minimum.
Beyond that noticeable and distinct aroma, there’s yet another feature that makes Diamond OG a showstopper: true to its name, this strain is most often coated in an exceedingly thick layer of trichomes. It’s likely this sparkly feature that earned the strain its name, because it truly does have a unique shine to it that some strains lack, at least visually. While the buds can be large, they’re most often of average size, but quite dense, with a unique mix of rust-orange and yellowed pistils giving it an almost golden tint. When smoked, Diamond OG’s pinene is the most noticeable flavor, though that citrus, earthy undertone is incredibly noticeable at times, especially if you’re using a dry herb vape of any kind instead of combusting. That intense flavor is overshadowed by one thing only: the effects.
This heavy-hitting hybrid offers a powerful full body high, something many OG-based strains are known for. What makes this gem truly unique, however, is the fact that most users report hours of relief. Many heavy-relaxation strains can be potent, but it’s rare for most people to find long lasting relief. Diamond OG is a strain that offers just that. That deep relaxation also comes with an overall sense of being uplifted,and like the relaxation, it lingers for hours.
For medical patients dealing with certain physical health conditions, like epilepsy or any kind of spasm, Diamond OG’s intense relaxation effects may be an invaluable asset, both in terms of helping with the symptoms and effects, and in helping relax the mind after a particularly hard day. That same sedating impact can help ease pain for patients who need it, and despite being heavily Indica in its effects, many people find it’s the perfect strain to micro-dose throughout the day, to get through their daily tasks. In larger doses, it’s a great strain for anyone suffering from insomnia; it not only relaxes your body, but it helps you clear your mind as well, so that you can actually rest, rather than letting your mind race while you toss and turn.
Because this strain is quite potent, it’s common for patients to experience some dry mouth or dry eyes with use, and while it can be annoying, many also find that they’re so relaxed that they don’t mind needing that extra glass of water, or a couple eyedrops before bed. Personally, my mouth became drier than the Sahara, but like with any other strain and any other time, staying hydrated knocked the problem out. If you have never smoked or ingested cannabis before, it’s advised that you take it low and slow with this strain, to prevent any chance of dizziness from the heavy sedating effects. Whether you’re a new patient or someone looking for a new favorite, Diamond OG may be your new favorite nightcap.
