New Millennium North, a medical-marijuana access point in north Seattle, opened only in March, but their smooth operation belies the brevity of their existence.
The dispensary offers a cap of $10 per gram on flower donations, with a couple of bargain strains (Top Shelf Mix at $7 a gram and “Mazatlan,” which looks and smokes a lot like street Mexican, at $5 a gram) for good measure.
Receptionist/budtender Caitlyn showed a quite welcome knowledge of the strains as I sought her input on the best indica and sativa flowers. I ended up with a $17.50 eighth of Mazatlan (sue me—I was curious); a $25 eighth of indica-dominant White Rhino (normally $35, it was on sale the day I visited); and a $35 eighth of sativa-dominant Bruce Banner (Strawberry Diesel x OG Kush).
The Mazatlan might make you feel nostalgic, if you fondly recall the burning sensation in your throat produced by commercial Mexi-schwag. Don’t get me wrong—these flowers are perfectly serviceable and will get you medicated, in a quite sativa-ish sort of way. It’s good that they’re available for patients with limited means. But just be aware that this weed, at $100 at ounce, is not the equal (nor even in the neighborhood) of the 20-odd $240-an-ounce strains Millennium offers. Avoid the bargain and get the $10 strains.
White Rhino is a 90-percent indica-dominant strain with Brazilian Sativa x South Indian Indica x Afghani in its family tree. Its subtly skunky flowers suggest a complex mix of terpenes, with undertones of berry and anise and pepper highlights. Rhino typically tests in the 20-percent-THC range and is strong medicine; it will offer pain relief without the undesirable side effects of opiate narcotics. The strain is also known for effectively dispelling depression and OCD.
Bruce Banner, a new strain to me, was a pleasure to discover. This sativa-dominant hybrid comes on like gangbusters with a euphoric rush; a wave of stress relief washes over you almost immediately, dispelling pain and anxiety and instilling an instant case of cottonmouth. The taste is more similar to that of OG Kush—i.e., the indica side of the family—with next to no detectable strawberry terpenes.
The OG Kush side of Bruce Banner also asserts itself with a body-high component that accompanies the strong head-high from the Strawberry Diesel genetics. Developed in Colorado, the Banner strains are so tightly dense that you may at first blush think you got skimped on the weight, but don’t be fooled; they check out when thrown on the scales. After the intense beginning, the high provides a much more relaxed, pillowy finish.
Each day, New Millennium offers a different strain for $25 an eighth; ask about the special so you don’t miss out.
tokesignals@seattleweekly.com
Steve Elliott edits Toke Signals, tokesignals.com, an irreverent, independent blog of cannabis news, views, and information.
NEW MILLENNIUM 14040 Aurora Ave. N., 629-5642, americangoodwill@yahoo.com. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
