Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a low-THC hybrid strain. It is a cross between Princess and White Widow. This gram of Rosetta Stone was cultivated by Justice Grown. 

The mission of Justice Grown is restorative justice —  justice for the damage done by cannabis prohibition, restoration for the environment through sustainable farming practices, restoration for people through the healing properties of cannabis, and the community it can foster. 

Appearance 4/5
The gram of Rosetta Stone came in one big nug. I was shocked when it rolled out of the bag. It was 2” tall and 1” wide. This bud has so many orange hairs wrapped around it that they take up approximately half of the surface area. In addition to the thick orange hairs, there are thin strands that wrap around the bud and stick out in every direction. The color is a rich green that is slightly muted. There is a thick stem that runs up the middle of the bud, as well. 

Aroma 4/5
Rosetta Stone has a sweet, faint aroma that reminds me of fresh lilacs. And, like a lilac bush, I cannot smell it unless I put my nose very near to the flower. There are also subtle hints of lavender. 

This strain has a mild tartness. The citrus notes smell mostly of lime, but there is a hint of lemon, too. The aroma is also herbaceous, smelling of oregano and thyme. The aroma is fresh, green, and moderately pleasant. 

Taste 3/5
This strain had a decent, subtle flavor when smoked in the glass. It had a peppery flavor with hints of pineapple and mint. When I smoked this in a filtered joint, with a Raw filter and rice papers, it tasted like a mild cigarette. It also left an aftertaste similar to that of a cigarette, only slightly more green and less foul. The flavor was overall dry and slightly salty. While there were moments of unpleasant flavor, it tasted pretty good overall. 

Effect 3/5
Rosetta Stone has mild, yet pleasant effects. At 12.8% THC, this strain is significantly less potent than most strains sold at the dispensary. I’ve found that while most 32% of THC strains make me feel more or less the same (i.e. very stoned), this strain had delicate, unique effects. 

I felt a subtle softness in my muscles, particularly in my face, but I was not tired or sedated. My mind felt calm and focused, but not distracted or disoriented. This strain made me feel less anxious, and I felt like I could function normally. I felt medicated, but not high. The effects were good for doing day-to-day tasks, but the high faded out after an hour and left me feeling unsatisfied.

Product price: $24.95

I recommend Rosetta Stone to consumers who are looking for a strain that is low in THC and pleasant to smoke. The effects are mild, which makes it a good strain for social occasions. Due to its low THC levels, it is also a good strain for people who have experienced paranoia with more potent strains. 

This bud is fluffy and pulls apart evenly. Since the hairs wrap around the teeth of the grinder, rather than fall through the holes, I recommend that users grind this strain by hand, or break it apart very small, before putting it in the grinder.

Justice Grown sells good ol’ sun-grown weed that is produced in greenhouses (and outdoor in states where climate permits). While I applaud their sustainability efforts, the bud cannot compare to the cannabis grown by science-forward indoor cultivators and breeders. This is not what they call 21st-century cannabis. While it is good to have a variety of options in strain, quality, and THC level, this gram costs the same price as a gram of high-quality 20+% THC aeroponically-farmed cannabis.

Address: 3812 N Clark Street
Phone number: (773) 820-7280
Hours:
Monday: 10am – 9pm 
Tuesday : 10am – 9pm
Wednesday : 10am – 9pm
Thursday : 10am – 9pm
Friday : 10am – 9pm 
Saturday: 10am – 9pm 
Sunday:  10am – 9pm

My last trip to Sunnyside was quick and went smoothly. They have perfected a method for social distancing by taking online orders every hour on the hour, admitting four customers to the waiting room, three waiting in line in the dispensary, and encouraging customers to use debit cards to minimize cash handling. 

They have opened up a consultation space for medical patients and recreational customers over 55 with medical conditions across the street. They are also opening up another Chicago location in River North and a location in Danville, IL.  However, even though they have a good system, I’ve noticed that everyone (customers, security guards, budtenders) has gotten less diligent with these measures. 

For the first time, the security guards, both at the front door and the door to the dispensary, did not touch the handles, motioning the customers to let themselves in. But the same security guard who wouldn’t touch the front door handle, touched my phone screen to zoom in on my confirmation text. He touched the phone screen of the gentleman in front of me, and presumably many other phone screens throughout the day. This seems particularly hazardous for how avoidable it could be. 

While the employees were never six feet apart from each other, they used to be careful to stay six feet from all of the customers. One employee stood next to me trying to get the attention of a budtender on the other side of the counter. Then she leaned over the counter and brushed against me. I think after spending a few chaotic months trying to work out a safe system, the dispensary staff are exhausted, but I wish they would continue to be as diligent as before in protecting their customers.