The Herbal Connection

The Herbal Connection is located on the west side of Cedar Street near Cavanaugh Road, between a mobile telephone store and a Marco’s Pizza. This dispensary has a large open lobby, which was unlocked when I visited on a recent Monday evening. Staffers thoroughly checked my medical marijuana card and a form of photo identification. 

After completing some very minimal paperwork for a free membership, I was led by a male employee to a backroom area with medibles and medicine in large display cases. Most products were temporarily unavailable because the shop is undergoing renovations. This dispensary typically stocks about 10 to 15 strains at a time, as well as a line of medibles, I was told. On this particular visit, three strains were available: Strawberry Cough, a sativa-dominant hybrid; OG Kush, an indica; and Headband, an indica-dominant hybrid. 

I purchased the Headband, which came in a generous intact bud with an earthy, uplifting aroma. When vaporized, the Headband had the type of rich, complex flavor of quality cannabis strains that can only be experienced through vaporization. Physically, it produced a rapid onset of pain- and stress-relieving effects as well as a feeling of euphoria. Effects were immediate and lasted one to two hours, which is perfect for nighttime consumption. In my opinion, vaporization is always the best way to consume medicine, as it provides a better experience of all the qualities of the plant — from flavor to medicinal effect — with none of the downsides like lung-punishing smoke inhalation and risk of respiratory diseases.