Photo from The Emerald Dispensary
Mendo Breath. The name alone conjures images of misty Mendocino mornings and hidden emerald groves. This strain, with its prestigious legacy, promises a flavorful expedition into profound relaxation.
When LivWell, one of the many brands under the cannabis giant PharmaCann, brought Mendo Breath to the New York market, expectations ran high. Could a multi-state operator capture the essence of this artisanal strain?
The Birth of a Legend in Mendocino
Mendo Breath emerged from Gage Green Genetics around 2012, born from crossing OG Kush Breath with Mendo Montage. The original became legendary for its sweet vanilla-caramel aroma, dense trichome-covered buds, and profoundly relaxing effects. It quickly gained cult status among cannabis connoisseurs.
The first promising sign for LivWell’s version came in the form of the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The numbers were impressive: 22% THC, backed up by a terpene profile dominated by caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. On paper, this looked to be a faithful recreation of the original’s chemical composition.
However, numbers only tell part of the story. The true test would be in the smoking—in the flavor, the aroma, and the effects.
LivWell Mendo Breath
$135/14g
22% THC
Beginning with the good news: when it comes to potency and effects, LivWell’s Mendo Breath largely delivers. This is, undeniably, a strong strain. That 22% THC content isn’t just for show—it translates into a high that’s both swift and powerful, a creeping wave of relaxation that starts in the head and slowly works its way down through the body.
For consumers seeking serious relief from pain, stress, or insomnia, this potency is likely to be a major selling point. Mendo Breath has a reputation as a medicinal powerhouse, and LivWell’s version certainly doesn’t skimp on the THC.
There’s a complexity to the experience that speaks to the strain’s balanced genetics. The relaxation is profound but not overwhelming, a gentle loosening of the muscles and quieting of the mind that feels more therapeutic than incapacitating.
This is a strain that’s well-suited for evening use, for moments meant to unwind after a long day, ease physical discomfort, and drift off into a restful sleep. It’s not a knockout punch. But rather a soothing lullaby, a gentle easing into a state of deep, restorative calm.
Mendo Breath Won’t Win Beauty Pageants
Unfortunately, while LivWell’s Mendo Breath excels in potency and effects, it stumbles a bit when it comes to bag appeal and flavor.
Regarding the visuals, while the buds are undeniably dense and chunky, they lack the frosty, trichome-drenched allure that sets top-shelf flower apart. There’s a certain dullness to the color, a muted green that fails to catch the eye in the way that the best examples of the strain do.
This isn’t to say that the buds are unattractive. They’re just a bit underwhelming, especially at this price point. When customers are shelling out $135 for a half ounce, there’s an expectation for flower to have a bit more of that visual pop that gets the anticipation building. LivWell’s Mendo Breath, while certainly not ugly, just doesn’t quite rise to that level.
The aroma, too, leaves something to be desired. One of the hallmarks of a great Mendo Breath is its complex, dessert-like scent—a rich blend of vanilla, caramel, and earthy spice that’s both enticing and unique. While LivWell’s version certainly carries echoes of those notes, they’re muted, lacking the pungent punch that makes the original so intoxicating.
When combusted, the flavor follows suit. There are hints of creamy sweetness and musky earth.. BBut they’re fleeting, overwhelmed by a rather generic hashy taste. It’s not unpleasant, but it doesn’t quite live up to the strain’s flavorful reputation.
The Science: Terpenes and Cannabinoids
So why the disconnect between the impressive lab results and the somewhat underwhelming sensory experience? The answer likely lies in the terpene profile.
While the COA for LivWell’s Mendo Breath shows a robust presence of caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, the total terpene content comes in at just under 1.5%. That’s on the lower end for a strain known for its rich, complex aroma and flavor.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis (and other plants) their distinctive scents and flavors. They work in synergy with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to shape the overall experience of a strain, influencing everything from the aroma and taste to the specifics of the high.
In the case of Mendo Breath, those subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and earthy spice that define the strain’s flavor profile rely on a complex interplay of terpenes. When the total terpene content is low, as it is here, those nuances can get lost, resulting in a more generic, less distinctive flavor.
On the cannabinoid front, the high THC content is obviously the star of the show. But the COA also reveals trace amounts of CBG and CBN, which may contribute to the strain’s therapeutic effects. While these minor cannabinoids are present in small amounts, their presence hints at the medicinal potential of the strain.
A Strain in Limbo
So, is LivWell’s Mendo Breath worth the hype? The answer, as is so often the case in the world of cannabis, is a resounding “it depends.”
For consumers primarily seeking a potent, relaxing high and less concerned about bag appeal or flavor nuance, this strain is undoubtedly a solid choice. The effects are powerful and the indica-dominant nature of the experience is well-suited for evening use or for individuals dealing with insomnia, pain, or stress.
But for a connoisseur or a flavor chaser, someone who prizes aroma and taste as much as potency, LivWell’s Mendo Breath may leave them wanting. The muted terpene profile and lackluster visual appeal are hard to ignore, especially at this premium price point.
In the end, LivWell’s Mendo Breath is a bit like a cover song performed by a talented but uninspired band. The basic structure is there, and there are moments where the original’s magic shines through. But it doesn’t quite capture the full depth and complexity of the source material.
For the casual smoker or the patient seeking reliable relief, that may be enough. But for consumers chasing the platonic ideal of Mendo Breath, that perfect harmony of flavor, aroma, and effect that made the strain a legend in the first place, the search may have to continue.
Leave a Reply