Back in the Congo

Okay folks, it's 4 weeks later. Let's talk about the results... Let's get some basics out of the way first - I made a pretty glaring mistake during this grow which caused... issues. What was that mistake? I switched to flower far too soon after repotting the plants giving them access to far more nitrogen than they wanted or could deal with. This (combined with their genetics) resulted in excessive stretching, increased leaf-to-flower ratio and a longer flowering period. The excess nitrogen I think probably played a role in stunting the overall development of the plant and the strength of the final product. GROWING IT I have had feedback from ACE themselves, who describe my phenotypes as strongly resembling Congo #3 (one of the Congolese landrace strains that provided some of the genetic base of the strain) which is native to the Brazzaville region of the Republic of Congo on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is very little influence from the other Congolese sativas or the PCK which make up this strains genetic heritage. As such, they demonstrated strong sativa characteristics during growth. They hated nitrogen, got really tall and produced huge but very low-density flowers. I ended up with 423g of dried flower - I nearly went back to remove some extra stems just to reduce that down to 420g. I would love to have the opportunity to grow this plant outdoors or in a polytunnel, as I think that's where it would do best - under the great big lamp in the sky. TASTE & SMELL The freshly ground buds smell fresh and piney with light astringent notes that clears the sinuses ever to slightly. At 4 weeks cure, the taste is actually quite delicate. Overall, it is spicy and herby though it retains a feint vegetable taste (that I actually quite enjoy, it reminds me of sugar snap peas) though I expect this to disappear with further curing. I have detected hints of under-ripe raspberry or other citrus when vaping it soon after brushing my teeth. In summary, it tastes and smells entirely unoffensive, but it's not particularly noteworthy. GETTIN' HIGH For me these buds produces little or no brain fog, no insatiable munchies, no dry mouth, no paranoia, no creeping fatigue or waves of sleepiness - absolutely none of the stuff which can be the negative effects of cannabis (for me at least). It is not a strong smoke for someone with a tolerance like me and the high duration is fairly short. Initially I was disappointed that this plant that I spent so long growing didn't get me high at all. Immediately after that thought I realised it was 11:30PM and I had just finished reassembling my oven after dedicating the last 2 hours to cleaning it thoroughly after baking an apple pie for the next day. This is a motervating, energising strain which has been wonderous for managing the mental health concerns that I deal with. It is a great day time smoke for me, not so much a recreational product but highly medicinal instead.