New York’s adult-use cannabis market, legalized in 2021, allows adults 21 and older to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. By 2024, the state has issued over 400 retail licenses and aims to expand to more than 1,000 dispensaries statewide. In the previous issue, I shared my first experience consuming cannabis and reviewed three products from New York’s legal market. This time, I’m diving into three new cannabis products from the state’s rapidly expanding market.
Brand: Rosa Reta
Product: AYO, Half-Gram, Live Rosin, All-in-One Vape
Rating: * * * * *
Rosa Reta, a lifestyle cannabis brand from Puerto Rico, recently expanded to New York. It offers 100% solventless live rosin vapes crafted from fresh, frozen flowers. With a selection of over 15 strains, I decided to try AYO for this review. With 70% active cannabinoids, it did not disappoint.
I loved how my first inhale tasted like candy. It was such a pleasant surprise. I was impressed that it only took four inhales to feel the effects kicking in, and by eight, I was floating in pure bliss. This one was incredibly smooth, unlike some of my previous experiences. The oil had a stunning amber hue, and I remember calling it a “liquid gem.” I was dealing with cramps during this session, but AYO completely eased my pain and discomfort. Throughout the day, I kept sampling, an inhale here, a couple there, and it kept both my body pain and irritation at bay.
Brand: Revert Cannabis New York
Product: Sungrown, Strawberry Amnesia, 3.5 Grams Flower
Rating: * * * * *
Revert Cannabis NY is a women-grown and veteran-operated company with rows and rows of options, but I chose Strawberry Amnesia flower. I’d give this product the highest possible rating on any scale. The flower was a vibrant green, 861 mg of THC in the bag, covered in sparkling crystals, and burned with pure white smoke and ash. My first inhale delivered a mouthful of rich berry flavor. Although it’s sun-grown, my personal favorite, the inhales were impressively smooth. I usually need a full blunt to feel the effects due to my high tolerance, but this time was different. By the halfway point, I could feel the plant massaging my head.
Of course, I kept smoking; it was delicious and offered such a beautiful, uplifting experience. I paired it with salsa music, and the clapping sounds felt so vivid, like I was immersed in the vibrations of the rhythm itself. I enjoyed this flower all day, feeling incredibly grateful for the experience. When it was gone, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad–it was that good.
Brand: Entourage by Nanticoke
Product: Fast-Acting Sleep Tablets
Rating: * * * * *
These tablets, developed by greenhouse-growing siblings, come in a 20-serving package, with each tablet containing 5mg THC and 10mg CBN. As someone with high tolerance, I found two tablets necessary for the full sleep-inducing effect, though those with low to moderate tolerance may find one tablet sufficient. I do want to point out that the combination of one tablet with a small amount of smoking provided deep relaxation.
The two-tablet dose put me to sleep, and I appreciated waking up feeling refreshed without the typical morning grogginess. I noticed smoking less than usual the morning after. I can only imagine it was because the tablets were still providing a cushion of elevation.
