Welcome to The Straight Dope, our weekly series that explores the best cannabis products in Michigan.
With more than 550 licensed growers in Michigan, the recreational cannabis market is overflowing with choices.
Some are gems, others not so much.
While massive corporate growers tend to get the most attention, small-batch cultivators are often lost in the sea of green.
That’s unfortunate because passionate small-scale growers are not only turning out some of the best weed in the legal market, they are empowering the community by reinvesting profits locally and partnering with other small cannabis business owners.
While finding these gems isn’t easy, it’s very rewarding.
I recently came across Green Dolphin Craft Cannabis, a small-batch, Black-owned cultivator in Hazel Park that produces potent, terpene-rich flower. Besides checking all the boxes for high-quality cannabis, Green Dolphin also partners with other local brands and small businesses to reinvest in the community.
“We have white label partnerships with a few legacy brands that have operated in the Detroit market for years,” Nick Schrock, owner of Green Dolphin, tells me. “Our goal is to create a space for brands like these to compete in the legal market. Brands like GuuRock have helped shape the cannabis culture in the city, so it only makes sense that these brands can benefit from legalization. Corporate weed has its place, but we can’t forget about the people and brands that actually built this industry.”
When I toured Green Dolphin’s 8,000-square-foot facility earlier this week, Schrock was growing 1,600 plants and nine strains — LA Pop Rocks, Jealousy, Permanent Marker, Permanent Cherries, Runtz, Blue Runtz, Red Runtz, Detroit Muscle, and Strawberry Bon Bon.
Schrock scooped up a gloveful of pungent, chunky Permanent Cherries buds that were carefully hand-trimmed and coated in trichomes. I couldn’t wait to roll up a joint of this.
Green Dolphin’s flower, which includes prerolls and snow caps, sells at more than 50 dispensaries, including 14 in metro Detroit — West Coast Meds, Remedy 313 Detroit, Backpack Boyz, Love Cannabis, Supergood, DACUT, Inhale Detroit, and all Flower Bowl and Stiiizy locations.
In a few months, Green Dolphin plans to begin producing gummies.
In a market saturated with growers, it’s not easy building a popular brand.
“The market is very competitive so you have to have great product and effective marketing,” Schrock says.
No doubt, Green Dolphin produces some high-quality buds.
I smoked four of their strains — LA Pop Rocks, Jealousy, Permanent Cherries, and Permanent Marker snow caps — and all were potent, flavorful, and well-grown.
Permanent Cherries
From the jar to the smoke, Permanent Cherries is a standout strain. With dark purple hues and frosty trichomes, the buds are dense and burst with flavor. A cross between Permanent Marker and Cherry Gelato, this hybrid has a unique smell that is true to its lineage — a permanent marker and ripe cherries.
It produces a potent, balanced high that is uplifting and long-lasting. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting strain that won’t knock you out, this is the one.
LA Pop Rocks
In addition to growing its own flower, Green Dolphin also cultivates for other brands. LA Pop Rocks, a combination of TKBx2, Z Animal, and Purple Push Pop, is one of them.
Grown for GuuRock, LA Pop Rocks is an indica-dominant hybrid that tastes like sweet candy and sour apples. Flavor enthusiasts will enjoy this strain.
The high is soothing and euphoric, with a strong body buzz. It’s perfect for relaxing after a long day.
Jealousy
One of my favorite strains for melting away anxiety, Jealousy a well-balanced hybrid that combines the genetics of Sherbert Bx1 and Gelato #41.
Green Dolphin knocked it out of the park with this one. The purple-hued buds are shimmering with trichomes and smell like a funky combination of creamy candy and gasoline.
This strain’s primary terpene, caryophyllene, is well-regarded for promoting relaxation and easing stress.
Jealousy delivers a soothing, blissful high that starts off uplifting before it morphs into a stress-melting body high. If you’re looking to unwind, Jealousy is a great choice.
Permanent Marker snow caps
For an extra euphoric boost, Green Dolphin produces Permanent Marker snow caps, which are lavishly coated with THCA. I’m not usually drawn to infused flower, but this made me a believer.
The frosty buds are packed with flavor — a soapy, sweet, gassy funk.
I was surprised by the robust potency and long-lasting high, which started off uplifting and cerebral before giving way to a deep relaxation.
Give this one a try if you like strong, flavorful flower.
If you want us to sample your cannabis products, send us an email at [email protected].
