Review

First time using LB to place an order for some of the good stuff. Spent about a couple of weeks simply browsing the website, getting used to the feel of it and checking out all the different vendors and listings.

When it came to choosing a vendor, my overriding aim was to source a strain that is not usually available on the streets. What better to set my heart on than some of the Cali strains that have been making waves across the pond.

This naturally attracted me to Gods Connect who seem to have a wide variety of different strains - a few of them imported from Cali but a lot more grown here in the UK. Their rating system seems to really emphasise the top level strains, or what they would refer to as Gods Private Reserve. As a vendor, they seem to have one of the better page layouts, making it clear what they have in stock and how these strains are graded. Their own reviews of the products show a certain class about them - it is enticing for a customer as it shows a high level of effort is put into the listings. The only downside (this is personal for me) is that they don’t offer Next Day Delivery like some of the other vendors. Now, I understand that this can be considered nit-picking but for someone who cannot openly order products of this nature, it is vital for me to be able to track and manage the delivery. Being able to expect a package guaranteed before 1pm offers a level of protection and comfort that turned out to be the deciding factor when I ultimately pulled the trigger on placing an order.

Sticking to the theme of trying to source a Cali strain (not necessarily grown in Cali but one whose genetics originates from there) my heart was set on the UK grown Gelato from The Gentleman Dealers. I ordered 3.5grams. Gelato has always been on my list of strains to try ever since I came across it a few years back.

TGD seemed a friendly vendor and we exchanged some messages prior to placing an order. Although their menu wasn’t as extensive as some other vendors, their page seemed professional and simple. The reviews from other buyers put my heart at ease and I was looking forward to finally placing an order. The clincher for me was that TGD offer next day delivery (this is their only delivery option) and I cannot fault the process whatsoever. I placed the order after the cut off time (this is different with each vendor) on Tuesday - the package was posted on Wednesday and a tracking number provided. I then received it on Thursday.
For communication/delivery, TGD get a 5/5 - no improvements can be made.

The order process was relatively simple (but I do have something of a cryptocurrency background). It is easy to have empathy for someone who has never bought anything using Bitcoin but there are tons of material out there to help with this. The main piece of advice I will give regarding this is to make sure you already have the correct amount of Bitcoin prior to placing an order. The link to send the Bitcoin to expires after 30mins so if you have issues with your exchange when purchasing Bitcoin this can exceed the 30 minute limit. Thankfully, I managed to transfer the Bitcoin with only 6mins to spare due to having a hiccup with the exchange I was using (this is a whole other topic) and the transfer was confirmed almost immediately.

So upon receiving the package, I was impressed with how normal it looks - it is the same as receiving something from eBay or Amazon and it fits through the letterbox. There was no way of knowing what is inside as there is no smell whatsoever. Once opened, you can see how much effort is put into making sure the package does not arose any suspicion. Included in the packaging was a little pocket size grinder as well as a CBD lolly imported from Amsterdam which was a really nice touch. The CBD lolly tasted unusual but really nice - I wouldn’t mind having a few lying around for when I feel like having some sweets.
For stealth/packaging, TGD get a 5/5. Again, no improvements can be made.
(I will be as harsh as I can with my ratings so any vendor that matches the level of stealth as TGD will get a 4.5/5. TGD get a 5/5 for going out of their way to include a grinder and a lolly, although these are not necessary at all it just adds a nice touch and sets them apart).

On to the main course which of course is the Gelato! Wow. What can I say. The fragrance emanating from the buds was something I have not experienced before. The aroma was smooth with a touch of softness upon hitting my nose. I kept going back for another whiff. It was earthy but definitely also sweet - with just a hint of Blueberry. The flowers looked absolutely exquisite. They were fully formed with trichomes glazed just about everywhere with fiery orange hairs sticking out. It was soft to the touch but dense and although I did not weigh it, there was no doubt that I had received at least 3.5grams if not slightly more. First impressions count and I could not wait to have a taste!
For looks/smell/touch, TGD get a 5/5 for their UK grown Gelato. This is the sort of bud you introduce to someone who has never smoked before.

Now onto the grand finale..how does she smoke? Well, having grinded out the bud, my only complaint would be that it did not grind as well as other buds that I have had in the past. Whether this was down to the small grinder (I have used these previously with no issues) or if it was down to the actual flower I cannot be certain. Nothing major however, I just needed a few extra minutes to make sure it was all ground up nicely to put into a spliff. As for the smoke - the best way to describe it would be Overwhelmingly Smooth. It is no secret where this strain gets its name from as it was as smooth as ice cream. No harshness whatsoever and the taste was sweet with a sort of woodiness to it. The effects were felt within 2 or 3 tokes. I got a slight anxious sensation which only lasted for a few minutes but I am putting this down to the fact that I had a 30 day break from smoking prior to this. I then experienced a high that I have never felt before. It was as if a part of my brain was activated that has never been used - it was euphoric! It is a head heavy high for certain but not one that leaves you drooling where you’re sat - it very much felt like I could have carried out some tasks had I wanted to. It is relaxing to the body and makes you feel happy and even slightly creative. Listening to music whilst high with this is a different experience! I had high hopes for this strain and it delivered or rather exceeded expectations. It has to go up there as one of the best strains I have smoked. No paranoia or other negative feelings (apart from a little anxiety which was minor) and it helps you sleep should you save this for night time.
For smoke/taste/high - UK grown Gelato from TGD gets a 4.5/5. (Only because it did not grind as well as I would have liked and I am being harsh).

Overall rating for The Gentleman Dealers - 4.8/5. Highly recommended - as this is my first order, TGD are now my benchmark for LB. Very impressed and cannot wait for them to get some other flavours like Wedding Cake! Even better would be to have a wide variety of Cali imports as well.

In conclusion - my first order with LB could not have been better. Absolutely no issues whatsoever - this was largely down to the vendor I used. Next on my list would definitely have to be Gods Connect. Although they don’t offer NDD, I will need to work something out as my appetite to try a Cali import has massively increased. Other vendors I have my eyes on are The Green Team and GreenFinger. Something about GreenFinger’s profile appeals to me in a different way. I can’t put my finger on it but it has something to do with him/her being a home grower. There is something special about growing something yourself and being absolutely happy with it to the point that you can put your name on the product and sell it. This is different to someone maybe just selling weed as a means of making money like most street dealers.

I know this is a long post but even if one person finds it helpful then it is worth it.

Peace and Love!

Hey all! I'm new here to LB and stumbled upon it during lock down here in the UK. So firstly would like to wish everyone here a healthy and safe upcoming weeks or months until this mess is over. Finding a community like this is truly a godsend as I would never have thought a community like this exists.

Onto the main topic, why don't some vendors use tracked services? I have read several vendors saying it's to protect both the vendors and buyers, but I am yet to still see the reasons behind for a valid argument (I apologise for the naivety if it's a simple answer). Surely the appeal of having a NDD service where buyers can keep an eye out or know when to wait for the posty and get to the mail first, preventing other household members living in shared accommodation must attract a huge portion of buyers? Personally I live with 5 others and sometimes have nosey parents asking what's been purchased and then the fear of discretion of smell etc on top of that.

I think as a buyer I am fairly well protected. I never use a real name and if others in the house ask who's that, I just say a friend had to order a birthday gift to mine. If the boys in blue come around asking questions, I would say "who?". So as a buyer I'd say we're protected, so whats the reason for vendors?

Only reason I ask is as a new user of LB, I of course was extremely sceptical of such a service and didn't believe it. I ended up purchasing something from RB, who by the way actually amazed me. I was in disbelief when the product landed as it was so quick and was updated throughout!

Unfortunately for my second purchase, the vendor (I will not name in public until I know they definitely have stopped trying to help) hasn't been great in terms of service. Due to that reason, I will only purchase products from sellers that use a tracked service. This eliminates a massive selection of vendors who all had amazing products that I could not wait to try, however my choices are limited. I am not for a second saying people shouldn't use vendors without tracked services, I'm trying to simply encourage some vendors to seek other options in order to generate business and appeal to those who only want a tracked service.

My problem was the vendor (who has had plenty of feedback saying they are generally slow at sending stuff out) just isn't great at convincing me they care enough and has left me with more anxiety than ever. I paid on the 20th of May, wasn't posted until the 23rd of May, sent a message asking for tracking details (still never replied what service they used or wasn't clear), they typically reply every 2-3 days even though it shows they've been online for the day, and I just get messages saying basically wait.

The fear of it taking 2 weeks, thinking is this seller genuine, have they event sent it, are they taking advantage of new users etc makes your brain work overtime and makes it even worse when they don't reply or give assurances.

This morning (3rd of June), finally a packet arrived and I was over the moon - until only to find out it only contained half the amount of what I paid for. If the vendor now needs to send me another half as they sent me the wrong amount, I don't want to wait another 2 weeks wondering what's going on. Then of course there will be the possibility that the vendor will claim it's impossible they sent the wrong amount, I have no idea where I stand! Just would be down around £50 and will forever have a sour taste in my mouth. This then comes back to me arguing that more vendors should use tracked services which MUST attract more buyers who have been in similar situations. This one vendor unfortunately has ruined it for me and surely I can't be the only one to have experienced something like this.

Looking at trying to get a refund doesn't seem simple enough. It looks like it's all about how many positive orders you've made etc but doesn't seem to protect us newbies. I understand this isn't your average business, but there must be things in place to protect us from vendors who unfortunately to either con buyers or think they can get away with it.

Sorry for the long rant but if anyone could enlighten me, that would be great. Also any vendors out there who are undecided about using tracked services, PLEASE DO! You will have at least me who would consider buying from you instead of automatically eliminating you!