Poonesia by CULTA (Baltimore, Maryland)

Strain: Poonesia

Dispensary: CULTA, Baltimore  

Market: Maryland Recreational

Overall Rating: 8.9/10

Lean: Balanced Hybrid

Initial Thoughts

Let's be real—Poonesia might be one of the funniest strain names to hit Maryland dispensaries, and it demands an explanation. Is it a play on Poochie Love, its notable parent strain? Is it a subtle nod to its effects, which might transport you to a blissfully dazed mental vacation? Or did someone at CULTA just decide to have a little fun with this release?

Whatever the case, the hype is real, and getting my hands on some of CULTA’s in-house genetics before they hit the market felt like being invited to the cool kids' table in high school—except this time, I actually belong here.

CULTA has already built a dedicated following with Poochie Love, and by crossing it with Amnesia OG, they’ve created something fresh while still keeping that classic funk that made the original so popular. With 4% terpenes, insane trichome coverage, and an aroma that practically jumps out of the jar, Poonesia demands attention from the moment you crack the seal.

Appearance

One of the biggest perks of snagging this batch was how fresh it was—packaged just five days before I picked it up. That meant the trichomes were perfectly intact, preserving every bit of flavor, aroma, and potency. Under a jeweler’s loupe, the trichome coverage exceeded 75%, with the heads fully developed and bursting with resin.

The bud structure was true to CULTA’s meticulous cultivation—dense yet naturally formed, with deep greens and fiery orange pistils giving it an eye-catching contrast. The trim was a bit looser than some might prefer, but personally, I’ll take a little extra leaf over something that looks like it was put through a chainsaw any day.

Status

Fresh.

Aroma

From the moment I cracked the jar, the OG lineage announced itself loud and clear—with the subtlety of a firework. The first wave of terps delivered a rush of fresh leather, dried pine needles, petrichor (that earthy "after the rain" smell), and wet riverbank.

As the aromas settled, the undertones evolved into something deceptively complex. Hints of vanilla frosting, fresh corn flakes, and cake dough made their way into the mix, adding a surprisingly sweet twist to an otherwise bold and earthy profile. This sneaky complexity had me sticking my nose back in the jar repeatedly, trying to catch one more note before sealing it up again.

Flavor

If the aroma was a journey, the flavor was a full-blown expedition. A lot of the earthy, pine, and leather notes from the nose carried over seamlessly, but the sweet elements faded into the background, making way for a rich, savory experience.

The first hit hit like a cup of espresso, with robust coffee, raw chocolate, and a sharp bite of peppered beef jerky dominating the profile. As the joint burned down, new layers emerged, turning each hit into an evolving experience.

The exhale was thick and smooth, leaving behind a lingering matcha-like finish that coated my tongue long after the smoke cleared. I found myself checking in on the flavor so often that I burned through more of the joint than expected—a clear sign of an engaging smoking experience.

Lineage

Poonesia is a hybrid strain created by crossing:

• Poochie Love

• Amnesia OG

This carefully selected pairing blends mental stimulation with physical relaxation, creating a strain that’s adaptable to different moods and activities.

Effects

The label classifies Poonesia as a hybrid, but the effects had a bit more range than your typical middle-of-the-road strain.

• Mental Effects: The high starts with a rush of creative energy, sharpening focus just enough to keep you engaged without making you jittery. Tasks felt effortless, and my thoughts flowed naturally, without feeling scattered or overwhelming.

• Physical Effects: While my mind was active and stimulated, my body felt calm and grounded, thanks to the elevated Pinene content. Some people might hesitate when they hear high Pinene, but the other terpenes balance it out beautifully, preventing any overactive mental loops.

• Overall Sensation: Nothing felt forced. Time didn’t slow down or speed up, everything just flowed naturally. If I was focused on something, I stayed focused. If I wanted to zone out, I could do that too. It was a choose-your-own-adventure kind of high, and I was all in.

Conclusion

Poonesia lives up to the CULTA reputation, delivering a deep, complex experience that captures the best of both parent strains. The aroma alone is enough to keep you coming back, but the flavor and balanced effects make it something special.

CULTA has once again proven why they remain one of the most respected names in Maryland cannabis, and Poonesia is further proof of their genetic expertise.

Much appreciation to the crew at CULTA for letting me get my hands on this batch before it hits dispensaries, and a special shoutout to my budtender Tony at their Baltimore location for the help with everything as well!

If you see Poonesia on the shelf, just know—you're about to embark on a wild, flavor-packed ride. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to say they smoked Poonesia?

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