Cloud 9

The front of the small shop features a nice variety of smoking accessories, all reasonably priced. After a quick and free membership sign-up, patients are taken to the back where they can inspect, compare and purchase meds privately.

Strains range from $15 to $20 per gram. For $20 a gram, the awardwinning Northern Lights indica was spectacular bud. Beauty and potency have kept this strain popular throughout the years. The dense, resin-covered buds had a clean, flowery scent that accompanied a nice, spicy taste when smoked. A relaxing and lazy high set in almost immediately — surely a good choice for those with aches, pains and sleep trouble.

Another $20 strain was Blueberry Haze, an indica-dominant hybrid. Grown by the owner of Cloud 9, the Blueberry Haze’s fluffy nuggets were heavily dusted with trichomes and had a fresh, berry aroma. Known to growers as a strain that can be a pain, Cloud 9’s B.H. was obviously cultivated, harvested and cured with care. The sweet, fruity taste lingered on the tongue after an easy exhale. The high was euphoric, pleasant and lasting.

For $15 a gram, the Haze No. 3 was a decent strain. A sativa-heavy hybrid developed by the famous Green House Seed Co., Haze is a good choice for patients looking to clear their mind or relieve mild chronic pains. The buds were covered in thick hairs and had an earthy, mint smell. Upon burning, the smoke was a little heavy — not too rough — and had a piney, wood taste to it. After contemplating packing up some more, the cerebral and uplifting buzz finally kicked in, lasting longer than expected.

Burmese Kush was another $15 hybrid strain available. Indicadominant, the small, tight buds were trichome-heavy, smelled like pine and tasted the same. Again, the high took a minute to set in, but when it did, it was very relaxing and quickly induced a case of the munchies. This strain would be great for patients with appetite and pain problems.

There can be big advantages to shopping in small shops, and the quality of service and selection at Cloud 9 are only a couple of them.