Harlequin

A harlequin is a traditional mute pantomime. It is the perfect eponym for the mild-yet-powerful Harlequin cannabis strain. With 20.17% CBD and only 11.37% THC, it has soothinging effects. Yet, as a 75/25 sativa-dominant strain, it is not sedating. Harlequin is one of the most effective strains to medicate pain and anxiety.

Appearance 5/5
The Harlequin buds are powdered with crystals, making them look medium green in the shade, and a sparkling mint color when hit by the light. Torn apart, the nugs look are covered with so many trichomes than on the outside, they look doused in glitter. The four medium-sized buds are almost as wide as they are tall. The buds appear to be extremely dense and compact, and are tightly wrapped with long, wavy orange hairs.

Aroma 4/5
Harlequin has a delicious, mild aroma. It is not the type of flower that floods the room with its scent. In fact, it’s relatively odorless from a foot away. However, the scent that can be detected is wonderful. At first, it smells prominently of fresh cut grass, with the distinct skunk of cannabis. Intricate hints of floral sweetness can also be noticed, along with a pleasant cheesiness, akin to ripe brie.

Taste 3/5
The flavor of Harlequin is woody, with hints of berries and toasted rye bread. The flavor is pleasant, but like the scent, it is mild. Although the bud is extremely sticky, the smoke feels thick and dry. The flavor reminds me of the smell of pine cones, and sitting around a fireplace during Christmas time. This strain tastes best smoked out of a glass pipe, because the flavor of papers can easily overpower it.

Effect 5/5
Since Harlequin has only 11.37% THC, along with 20.17% CBD, the effects cannot be adequately compared to that of THC dominant cannabis. This strain does not get the user super high, but that’s not to say it isn’t one of the most soothing strains out there. The main effects of Harlequin are a peaceful, quiet mind, and a general sense of calm.

Harlequin is a great daytime strain because it has just enough THC to be a satisfying smoke, without getting the user too high to be productive. As a sativa dominant strain, it is energizing. I have found this product to be fantastic at alleviating anxiety, cramps, and headaches. Since it is low in THC and high in CBD, I would also recommend this product to novice smokers, especially those who are nervous about the experience.

Three weeks after legalization, cannabis shortages leave Harlequin as the only strain of flower left on the shelves at Sunnyside Lakeview, presumably because it has about half the THC content of the strains recreational users tend to seek out. However, Harlequin’s mellow, energizing high and calming effects make it one of the best strains for daytime use that I’ve tried, and it is a perfect remedy for everyday afflictions, such as stress and fatigue.

Address: 3812 N Clark Street
Phone number: (773) 820-7280
Hours:
Monday: 10am – 7pm
Tuesday : 10am – 7pm
Wednesday : 10am – 7pm
Thursday :10am – 7pm
Friday : 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Sunday: 10am – 7pm

Sunnyside Lakeview stands out from all the other shops and restaurants on Clark Street. The typical brick Chicago storefront is painted with Sunnyside’s signature vivid orange, with the company’s logo painted in white beside their slogan, “A new kind of cannabis shop”.

The building is eye catching and inviting. Inside, it is just as vibrant, although customers shouldn’t expect to enter right away. After three weeks of being open for adult use, wait times still range from one to five hours, due to high demand and staffing shortages. Customers should also expect limited product selection until at least April 2020.