Disclaimer: Under Colorado law, the use of marijuana is restricted to those aged 21 and older or those with a valid medical marijuana license. Colorado State University does not allow the possession or consumption of marijuana, recreational or medical, anywhere on campus. The Collegian does not condone underage consumption of marijuana.

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a strain with odd attributes, so when I heard about the effects of the hybrid strain Headband, I had to check it out. Rumor has it that the consumer feels a little pressure around their head as if they were wearing a headband. Interesting, I know.

The eighth I got from Organic Alternatives had a THC level of 24 percent, and the scent was one of the most powerful I’ve come across so far. I could smell the bud immediately after breaking the seal; strong hints of lemon-citrus and pine were the foreground for a powerful diesel odor.

From a distance the buds look like little nuggets of gold — the herb’s light green, almost yellow herb creates a smooth blend with the dark orange hairs. Along with that, a good amount of keef covered each nug, and I always love to see that. The buds were a bit small for my taste, but I liked what I saw regardless.

The buds had a good density and breaking them up by hand was easy, but I used the Kind grinder just for the ease. I used Kind Creations‘ turbine percolator bong — a prime piece of glass with a great percolator and a perfect height for smoking herb — and after loading the bowl, I was ready to see what the buzz was all about.

I have to admit that the high lived up to the name, and before I even took my second rip, I could feel the headband sensation taking effect. It wasn’t very intense, or even that exciting, but it was kind of cool. After that, a really mellow and clear euphoric head-high came on, which was slowly followed by a sense of relaxation and physical relief.

The flavor was great, but the diesel scent came through strong in it, giving the overall lemon-citrus taste an odd bitterness. The smoke didn’t irritate my throat too much, but it wasn’t entirely comfortable; there were a few coughs here and there. It wasn’t really what I expected, but I liked it.

Unfortunately, one negative aspect of this bud was the wicked cotton mouth that seemed to persist for at least an hour and a half after smoking.

Considering what a stressful time of year it is, and how relaxing and de-stressing the Headband hybrid was, I’m going to give it 8 leaves out of 10. I would usually dock a couple more points for the small size, slightly bitter flavor and gnarly cottonmouth, but the buzz was great, so I don’t think it’s necessary.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out the last ever Roastin’ with Rick Wednesday, April 20. And for more of my reviews and marijuana news, please visit greenreport.collegian.com.

This column is sponsored by Kind Creations.

Collegian Marijuana Critic Rick Cookson can be reached online at blogs@collegian.com or on Twitter at @RickCookson1.