Today, we’re diving into a review of TICAL—a cannabis brand with deep hip-hop roots. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because TICAL is the creation of Method Man, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member. Interestingly, while TICAL is a celebrity brand, it doesn’t lean too heavily into the star power. There’s no flashy image of Method Man on the packaging, and unless you’re familiar with Wu-Tang lyrics, the subtle “Iron Lung” reference might not even register. This subtle approach makes TICAL feel more like a legitimate brand than a gimmicky celebrity-endorsed product.
On the bag, the strain name is listed as Iron Lung, which is actually a cross of Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies—two fan-favorite strains in their own right. One standout feature of TICAL’s packaging is that they list the harvest date, which is something I always appreciate. However, that appreciation quickly fades when you realize the cannabis was harvested back in February, and here we are in August. For a brand that’s marketed as premium and comes with a higher price tag, offering cannabis that’s six months old is definitely a letdown. Freshness is key, and in this case, it’s clear the product has been sitting for longer than ideal.
Moving on to the aroma, when I first opened the bag, I picked up some lemony notes along with an earthy, peppery undertone—likely from the caryophyllene. Unfortunately, the scent wasn’t particularly strong, and the age of the cannabis was noticeable. Even after grinding it up, the aroma only slightly improved, bringing out a bit more myrcene, but it remained underwhelming overall. I’d rate the aroma at 3.5 out of 10.
Visually, the bag appeal is one of the highlights. The eighth is primarily made up of one or two large nuggets that are covered in rich trichomes and bright orange hairs. This is definitely one of the more appealing pieces of cannabis I’ve seen from a New York dispensary, and I’d rate it at 8 out of 10. It’s just disappointing that the impressive look doesn’t carry over into the aroma or flavor.
Speaking of flavor, this is where the strain continues to fall short. If you take a big hit, the taste is harsh and burnt due to the lack of fresh terpenes. However, if you take smaller hits or use a vaporizer, you can coax out more of the true-to-aroma taste, though it’s still nothing special. On the inhale, the caryophyllene comes through more prominently, while the exhale offers a bit more limonene. But overall, the flavor is muted and lacks depth. I’d rate the flavor at 3 out of 10.
When it comes to the quality of the smoke, though, things improve a bit. Despite the burnt taste, the smoke itself is surprisingly smooth and easy to consume. It’s not overly dry, which is often a problem with older cannabis, so I’d give it a 6 out of 10 for smokeability. It’s a redeeming factor in an otherwise mediocre experience.
As for the high, it’s serviceable but unremarkable. The strain delivers the typical sativa effects, providing a bit of energy and a boost in focus or creativity. However, the muted terpenes make it hard to pick up on any specific or nuanced effects, leaving the high feeling somewhat flat. I’d rate the effects at 5 out of 10. It does the job, but it’s nothing special.
Now, it’s important to acknowledge that not all aged cannabis is inherently bad. When properly cured and stored, some strains can develop richer flavors over time. However, in the legal market, we’re often seeing faster cure times and less optimal storage conditions, which can lead to terpenes degrading more quickly. This seems to be the case here, where quick curing and extended shelf time have resulted in a muted final product.
The price point also doesn’t do this strain any favors. I paid $55 for this eighth, which feels steep given the overall experience. Even if it were fresher, a more reasonable price would be around $40 considering it’s small-batch indoor flower. Ultimately, while TICAL’s Iron Lung strain does the job, it’s not particularly memorable, and the muted terpenes hold back what could have been a much better experience.
Ratings Summary:
- Aroma/Nose: 3.5 out of 10
- Bag Appeal/Look and Feel: 8 out of 10
- Flavor and Taste: 3 out of 10
- Quality of the Smoke: 6 out of 10
- The High/Effects: 5 out of 10
- Overall Rating: 5 out of 10
