You can’t truly enjoy the indica-dominant Lava Cake without dwelling on dessert. The “flavors” of parent strains Grape Pie and Thin Mint Cookies present an almost obvious question: what would those two baked goodies taste like combined? At least, in bud form, the hybrid lives up its moniker, both in palate and stunning imitations of its parents. We were thrilled to sample a version of the flower from the expert aeroponic growers of Aeriz - available now on shelves at Oasis Dispensaries.

  Curiously, the dense buds did resemble volcanic rock, with dark purple splotches contrasting otherwise brilliant green morsels. As if rolled in sugar, the trichomes glistened inside and out. She carried a familiar and delicious floral, tropical essence, with the tart lemon-pine released in the grinder. The spark introduced a red velvet cupcake flavor, dark and fleeting as the first effects gripped us.

  It was a whirlwind of spark. A space helmet seemed to land upon the head out of nowhere, accompanied by a drilling, coursing gravity pushing us down from above. Like whooshing backwards on a raft rolling on rapid current, we floundered in momentary vertigo until finally with sure footing,the ride came to full stop. We regained awareness and control of faculties, but went straight into motionless psychedelic daydream.

  Although the initial thrill softened, another growing vibe crept into full force, further planting us sedentary. Critics unanimously felt a completely relaxed and serene state, with long bouts of euphoria. Every sensation seemed to be enhanced, every sound resonated and we switched complete and utter focus from one thing to the next. “The inspirations just keep coming,” one reviewer marveled, overcome by the need to be creative.

  Social yet subdued, we were not all immediately ready to snooze, but it did eventually come. The experience had lifted of our souls, relieved muscle inflammation and panicky stress. In the lull that unfolded nearly four hours later, we felt gravity of a different kind, one that called for more hot tea or coffee. Most of us accepted the ticket to slumber and did so with deep and rich results. If you need a go-to post-dinner “dessert nug,” this one’s your Huckleberry.