IN REVIEW: It isn’t surprising that using local produce produces some pretty killer results. These Albion strawberry delights from Rose are vegan, limited-run cannabis treats that change with the bounty of the season. Rose uses real, pure ingredients that make stellar products and provide an experience you’ll seek out again and again. Check their site regularly to stay on top of their upcoming chef collaborations, and use Proper to find them nearby when they hit the shelves.

When it comes to the US cannabis market, each legal state represents a different trend in products. Nevada is known for high-dosage caps and celebrity collabs sold on the Vegas strip. Colorado for their classic stoner vibes. Michigan for, well, I’m not entirely sure as I haven’t been to Detroit in like six years.

But one thing’s for certain, the California cannabis market is defined by their tireless pursuit of creating products that exist at the epitome of luxe. It’s a world of sleek branding and astronomical marketing budgets, where edibles with a chic aesthetic and trendy ingredients triumph every time.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Albion Strawberry Buddha's Hand EVOO Delights by Los Angeles edible brand Rose.

Before I was assigned to review these stunning little treats, I was already aware of the brand. As a cannabis journalist with a focus on products, I have my finger on the pulse of everything going on in the California market. With their gorgeous branding, extremely high quality ingredients and overall trendy vibe, Rose has made a sizable splash over the past year with their seasonal Turkish Delights (an aromatic sweet that hails from Turkey, obviously), that in many ways blur the line between edible cannabis and culinary art.

The day I finally got to try them was a hot, sticky day quarantined in August, much like every other day of the past six months, except much, much hotter. I was lying around my house feeling apathetic and shitty. Everything was hot and lifeless: the orchids on my coffee table drooped, my dog was sprawled out on the cool bathroom floor, lifeless. I followed suit, alternating between laying face up and face down (when I was feeling more depressed than the prior moment) on my couch, inches from a fan. 

“Aromatic and sweet without tasting overly saccharine, the gummy-like texture felt very high end.”

In an attempt to revitalize my vibe, I decided to check out the edible I was to review that day. As soon as I opened the bag and poured its contents into my hand, I felt excited. Immediately recognizing the pink and powdered yet opaquely translucent cubes, I knew they were Seasonal Delights by Rose.

According to their website, “Rose is a premium edibles brand combining creative culture, sustainable agriculture and award-winning chefs. Infused with single-strain flower rosin, meticulously pressed in-house.” While I’m normally wary of a brand’s website copy, I would say this is accurate. Their artful approach to edibles is apparent in everything they do. For example, here are some of the ingredients for the Albion Strawberry Buddha's Hand EVOO Delights: Macerated and pureéd Dirty Girl Albion Strawberries from Santa Cruz, zested Blossom Bluff Orchards’ Buddha's Hand citron from the San Joaquin Valley, Iced Lemonade flower rosin (purple sativa) infused into Bariani extra virgin olive oil. Rose is the only company that uses local produce in their ingredients, and they choose really cool ones at that.

Maybe lost in all these bougie words is how truly special these ingredients are. For example, Dirty Girl Albion Strawberries are famous in these parts for being farmed using a technique called Dry Farming, that forces plants to draw from natural water sources, thereby conserving water while producing fruit that is more flavorful and rich than traditionally grown strawberries.

Because of their partnerships with local farms, Rose Delights are released in seasonal batches. Once they sell out, they’re gone forever. For example, once the Albion Strawberry Buddha's Hand EVOO Delights finish their run, they’ll be switching to their next release, an upcoming collaboration with Chef Nicole Ruckers that will be a poppy apricot and lemon verbena blend. After that, Michelin star chef Dominique Crenn will be curating a release. All this in a word? CHIC! 

“I was transformed from a gross and sweaty couch creature to a hot stoned babe lounging by the pool. ”

Before popping two of these magical little cubes into my mouth, I admired their beauty. Looking like glass made from strawberry lemonade, they were at once translucent and opaque, a warm, deep shade of pink, just lovely. In my mouth, they were just as enjoyable. Aromatic and sweet without tasting overly saccharine, the gummy-like texture felt very high end.

About thirty minutes later, I was transformed from a gross and sweaty couch creature to a hot stoned babe lounging by the pool. While each gummy is only 5mg of THC, which for me is usually way too weak to feel anything, 10mg of these gave me a considerable mood boost perfect for outdoor activities, making a masterpiece, or just getting out of your daily quarantine funk.

Feeling euphoric and uplifted, I was able to pick up my phone for once in my life, resulting in an invite to a really nice pool that turned my shitty day into a beautiful one. These high-end edibles were a perfect addition to lounging around in the Hollywood Hills. Suddenly, the heat didn’t seem so bad.