Lansterdam in Review: These four strains help to strengthen LGBTQ rights

Want to support basic human rights? Also want some free weed? How about both?

Skymint locations in Lansing, including its new dispensary on Saginaw Street, are running a Pride Month special through June 28. Here’s the deal: Buy an eighth (of a few select strains) and get a free joint. And the proceeds go straight to a ballot initiative for stronger LGBTQ rights.

Through a partnership with the Fair & Equal Michigan campaign, proceeds from each purchase support an ongoing movement to amend the state’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and better protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination across Michigan.

Following some delays tied to the coronavirus, organizers plan to get the proposed amendment on the 2022 ballot. Meanwhile, Skymint is supporting the cause through sales of some of the gayest marijuana in Lansing: Lava Cake, Ice Cream Cake No. 4 and 5, and Rozay No. 1.

Naturally, I had to try all four. And each are indica-dominant strains that pack a flavorful punch.

Lava Cake

Price — $55/3.5g

THC content — 17.31%

These bright green, crystalized buds are layered with orange hairs and deep purple leaves. And while I’m told the darker shade has a lot to do with a cooler growing temperature, I just know that purple pot is usually always a solid way to start the weekend — especially with a bong.

The strain is a 70/30 Indica cross of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Grape Pie, well known for its in-your-face flavor profile and a quick-hitting but relaxing high. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Most of these dessert-type strains were exceptionally smooth, but this one might take the cake. Sweet notes with a creamy sort of vanilla herb finisher. Dangerously smooth. After a few hits, I couldn’t regather my initial energy to make it to the park, even if it was only to lay in a hammock.

The wave of relaxation, however, allowed me to quickly forget my work week. A light sleepiness may be a downside for some, but I think it’s the perfect bud for a relaxing evening spent at home. Also: I managed to make it through a 90-minute movie, so don’t expect a total knockout.

Ice Cream Cake No. 4 & 5 

Price — $55/3.5g

THC content — 14.76% and 16.11%

These two are both a phenotype of the same badass strain — a cross between Wedding Cake and Gelato No. 33. The subtle difference, according to Skymint budtenders, is that the No. 4 takes on more of the characteristics of the Wedding Cake. No. 5 takes after the Gelato No. 33.

Both smelled like that glorious scent blitz that emanates from a Yankee Candle shop. Is that vanilla? Cocoa butter? Sugar cookies? Caramel? No. Maybe lavender? A little of all of them?

These dessert-named weed varieties each tasted and smelled like a slice of frosted cake and went down like a cold glass of milk. Immediate sedation, but still a solid daytime smoke. After the Lava Cake, I figured I’d wait until I had actually strung up the hammock to light up these two. 

This high — which hits the head before quickly traveling throughout the rest of the body — is certainly a slaphappy type of buzz. I really don’t remember laughing this hard in a while. I also don’t really remember what we were all laughing about. So, mission accomplished, I guess.

This weed is reportedly a good choice for those with depression, chronic pain, insomnia and appetite loss. And I can see why. The only thing that eventually pried me loose from a two-hour swing in the hammock was the idea of ordering a pizza delivery when I made it back home.

Rozay No. 1

Price — $55/3.5g

THC content — 15.37%

Someone must’ve told Skymint that I have a thing for purple weed. This stuff was the darkest of the bunch, so naturally, I saved it for the last. And it was the perfect way to end the evening. Instantly, I was hit with a rich, fruity smell that’s probably best described as a bunch of concord grapes — and maybe a few raspberries — colliding with a fresh bag of mulch or wood chips.

Indicas like these are just better suited for the bong. And Rozay was no exception. A savory sort of pine-on-berry flavor on the front end was just as smooth as the others from Skymint. It gave way to an immediate, cerebral sort of buzz that cleared the mind and slouched the shoulders.

This bud had served its sole purpose: Washing away anxiety and sending me straight to bed. No grogginess either. I awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Lansterdam in Review is a new column written by Kyle Kaminski, a City Pulse staff writer and cannabis enthusiast who has been smoking marijuana just about every day for the last decade. Kaminski samples some of the best bud in Greater Lansing, gets real high and writes about it.