We spend most of the year focused so heavily on the enticing psychoactive properties of our friend THC that we might neglect the rest of the spectrum of minor and complementary cannabinoids that impact the endocannabinoid system.
This month, we decided to spotlight a CBD-heavy varietal for our Strain of the Month, given that it’s The Weed and Wellness Issue. And who better to turn to than Mendocino’s own sungrown stars at Emerald Spirit Botanicals.
Nestled into a wooded Northern California hillside, this Sun + Earth certified family operation started at the end of the 1900s, when founder Katie Jeane settled on the land, eventually starting to cultivate food and Cannabis there with her sons, Joseph and River.
We’ve had the pleasure of walking the property with Katie Jeane and Joseph and have had the opportunity to learn her approach to breeding, which is closer to plant spirituality than science. She listens to what the plants tell her, and through this careful communion, she has been able to breed a selection of genetics that bring out high concentrations of desirable minor cannabinoids such as CBG, THCV, as well as flavorful and expressive CBD-rich varietals.
This year, Emerald Spirit Botanicals won a Golden Bear at the California State Fair Cannabis Awards for its Rose Queen, a CBD-laden 20:1 cross of The Queen and Black Rose.
It’s an intensely charismatic cultivar, with bright and airy floral top notes, fruity sweetness, and slightly rich earthy undertones that tantalize the palate. It makes for a smooth smoke that can be savored through multiple joints in a row — an all-day strain, perfect for easing stress without clouding one’s focus on the task at hand.
It would be a perfect replacement for someone who still clings to an hourly cigarette break, but offers delicious flavor and clean, sungrown medicine. We also enjoyed Emerald Spirit’s Rose Queen CBD Tincture. It got us through the holiday season, keeping everything on an even keel.
If you haven’t had the chance to try Rose Queen, now’s your chance — the new harvest just released in the Farm Cut jars, minimally processed in order to protect the integrity of the flower, just like the growers keep their headstash.
We also recommend searching out Emerald Spirit’s other offerings — their THCV-rich Pink Boost Goddess is one of our favorites. It’s energizing and delicious and is also a beautiful flower. No matter what it is, you can’t go wrong with this farm.
@emeraldspiritbotanicals | @farmcutcanna
This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of California Leaf.
View our archive on issuu.