Your girl loves a good terpene profile. Give me something funky, earthy, gassy, or downright unusual, and you’ve already got my attention. Of course, a delicious flavour means very little if the effects don’t deliver, but when a cartridge manages to get both right? Now we’re talking. And that’s exactly why I was so curious to see what the folks at TakeCBDlab had been cooking up.
TakeCBDlab may be a relatively small name in Japan’s alternative cannabinoid scene, but they clearly have a passion for recreating the distinctive flavours and personalities of real cannabis strains. Naturally, I was eager to see what they had to offer.
I tried two cartridges: H4DBX 428 Stankonya and H4CBX 50 Gorilla Glue. Both contain CBX and H4CBD, but there’s an interesting little twist in the formulas. Stankonya replaces 8% of the CBX with another cannabinoid called CRDB, which had me particularly curious about how the two experiences might compare. Would that small formulation difference translate into a noticeably different experience? And, more importantly for this terpene-loving girl, would the flavours live up to their wonderfully funky names?
(Click here for Japanese / ここをクリックして日本語のレビューをご覧ください)
Quick Scores
| Category | 🦨 Stankonya | 🦍 Gorilla Glue |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Taste | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (3.5/5) |
| ⭐ Kick | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⭐ Head High | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⭐ Body High | ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) | ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) |
| ⭐ Sociability | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| ⭐ Relaxation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⭐ Beginner Friendly | ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) | ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) |
| ⭐ Overall Effect | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Provisional editorial scores based on my personal experience. A higher score for Kick or Head High indicates greater intensity, not necessarily greater suitability.
Bottom Line: Stankonya delivers a deliciously funky flavour and a happy, sociable cerebral experience. Gorilla Glue takes a quieter approach, pairing understated earthy terpenes with an equally enjoyable but more introspective head high. Both formulas impressed me with their smoothness, longevity and lack of unpleasant effects during my sessions.
What’s Inside: H4DBX vs H4CBX Breakdown
| Ingredient | Stankonya H4DBX | Gorilla Glue H4CBX |
|---|---|---|
| CBX | 42% | 50% |
| H4CBD | 42% | 42% |
| CRDB | 8% | — |
| Terpenes | 8% | 8% |
| Size | 0.5 ml | 0.5 ml |
| Listed price | ¥4,200 | ¥4,200 |
The formulas share the same H4CBD concentration and total cannabinoid percentage. The key difference is that Stankonya replaces eight percentage points of CBX with CRDB.
I’ve previously found that higher CBX concentrations don’t automatically translate into a stronger experience. Sometimes the difference feels more like depth than intensity. And the addition of CRDB is particularly intriguing. Some manufacturers describe it as contributing to a brighter, more balanced or sustained experience, although independent research establishing these effects is limited.
Could that 8% CRDB help explain why Stankonya felt more sociable and uplifting? Possibly. But different terpene profiles, individual responses and testing circumstances make it impossible to isolate CRDB as the cause. Still, it gave me something interesting to compare.
Taste & Terpenes: Where TakeCBDlab Shines
🦨 428 Stankonya — Funky, Cheesy Perfection
Oh, Stankonya. Where have you been all my life? From the first inhale, I was beyond impressed. A wonderfully soft, funky cheesiness arrives immediately, followed by musky, herbal notes and a little vanilla sweetness. Then comes my favourite surprise: a delicate hint of mint on the exhale.
It’s an unusual combination, but somehow it works beautifully. The flavour has character without feeling harsh or artificial. It’s rich, distinctive and delightfully funky. TakeCBDlab describes Stankonya’s terpene blend as BDT (botanically derived terpenes) and premium HDT (hemp-derived terpenes), aiming for skunky, gassy, earthy and sweet notes.
And goodness, did they deliver. This is easily one of the best-tasting cartridges I’ve tried. Five stars, without hesitation.
🦍 50 Gorilla Glue — The Quiet Contender
Gorilla Glue is a considerably more understated affair. There are subtle hints of pine and gas on the inhale, followed by a light earthy, herbal finish. It’s smooth and pleasant, but the flavour is noticeably milder than Stankonya.
The advertised blend combines BDT with live resin-style CDT (cannabis-derived terpenes), aiming for the earthy, woody and gassy character associated with Gorilla Glue. And some of that character comes through, but gently. I wouldn’t call it disappointing. Rather, Stankonya set an exceptionally high bar. Gorilla Glue feels like the quieter sibling who doesn’t need to announce their arrival.
Flavour winner: Stankonya, by a longshot.
Effects & Experience: Two Different Personalities
0–10 Minutes: Straight to the Head
Both cartridges delivered noticeable cerebral effects within approximately ten minutes.
Stankonya was particularly quick off the mark. A strong sensation developed behind my eyes, and before long I felt unmistakably lifted.
Gorilla Glue followed a similar path, although its onset felt slightly more gradual.
Neither produced much physical heaviness. These were decidedly head-forward experiences.
10–30 Minutes: The Personalities Emerge
This is where things became interesting.
With Stankonya, I felt noticeably uplifted, chatty and sociable. I wanted to spend time with Mr. Jane, talk, laugh and enjoy the evening together.
Gorilla Glue delivered a similarly pronounced cerebral experience, but my mood leaned inward. I could happily socialize if the occasion called for it. However, I was equally content scrolling, relaxing, contemplating a little meditation or simply enjoying the fresh air drifting through the window.
Stankonya/H4DBX made me want company. Gorilla Glue/H4CBX made my own company feel perfectly delightful.
30 Minutes and Beyond: Strong, Smooth and Enjoyable
Both experiences developed into substantial cerebral highs, with Gorilla Glue eventually approaching Stankonya’s intensity while remaining a little gentler overall. Neither produced significant body effects, and I experienced no anxiety, racing thoughts, dizziness or other unwanted sensations.
Stankonya’s brighter mood carried into a particularly lovely evening with my husband. We chatted, shared snacks and enjoyed some *ahem* romantic time together. Still, I wouldn’t say the cartridge noticeably enhanced physical sensations. Rather, I felt mentally present, connected and happily absorbed in the moment. Gorilla Glue was equally enjoyable in a different way. It encouraged quiet relaxation without making me feel unpleasantly withdrawn or disconnected.
And the munchies? Oh, both cartridges understood the assignment in that regard. Apparently, whatever these blends disagreed on socially, they were united in their determination to turn me into the feral raccoon that I am and empty my snack cupboard.
Duration: Several Hours of Enjoyment
Both experiences lasted approximately three to four hours or longer, although I didn’t time them precisely. The effects faded gradually rather than disappearing abruptly, and both evenings eventually ended in comfortable sleep. Interestingly, I didn’t notice a dramatic difference in duration despite the different cannabinoid formulas.
The Next Day
After Stankonya, I woke with some lingering mental fogginess. Nothing particularly unpleasant, but enough that two coffees were welcome before I felt fully back to normal. Gorilla Glue left me feeling good the following morning, without the same noticeable residual fog. Still, considering the formuations aren’t that different it’s a bit odd to have had such a different feeling the morning after so to be honest, can’t really say it was the altnoids that caused the fog vs my own tiredness.
Needless to say, these are personal observations rather than guaranteed outcomes, particularly given the different testing days.
Hardware & Presentation
Both products arrived as 0.5 ml cartridges compatible with standard 510-thread batteries. A separate battery is required. I used the same Airis battery and blue power setting for both tests.
And here’s another area where TakeCBDlab impressed me: these cartridges were exceptionally smooth. No coughing, no throat irritation and so far no leaking or clogging. Just consistently pleasant draws throughout both sessions.
Availability: What’s Happening With TakeCBDlab?
At the time of writing, TakeCBDlab is experiencing an H4CBD supply shortage and reformulating products without that ingredient, according to the information I’ve received. Consequently, these exact formulas may no longer be available. The maker currently appears to sell primarily through Mercari, with X also providing a way to follow product developments and contact the brand.
Mercari: TakeCBDlab
X: @takeshit710
TakeCBDlab is also advertising a CBX 50% UK Cheese profile, which has certainly caught my attention. After Stankonya’s deliciously funky performance, you can probably understand why. Just remember that future formulations may differ significantly from the cartridges reviewed here.
Who Are These Cartridges For?
Stankonya might appeal to:
- Experienced users interested in distinctive, strain-inspired terpene profiles.
- Those curious about a more sociable, uplifting cerebral experience.
- Anyone who appreciates unusual savoury, herbal and cheesy flavours.
Gorilla Glue might appeal to:
- Experienced users who prefer milder, earthy terpene profiles.
- Those interested in a quieter, more introspective experience.
- People who enjoy relaxing without pronounced physical heaviness.
Neither would be my first suggestion for a beginner. Both produced substantial intoxication in my sessions, and the limited safety research on these blends warrants caution. Don’t use my experience as a dosing guide; avoid combining them with other intoxicants or driving afterward.
Final Thoughts
What really won me over with TakeCBDlab was their attention to terpenes. Don’t get me wrong, both cartridges delivered a thoroughly enjoyable buzz, but these folks clearly take their flavours seriously. And your girl loves to see it!
Stankonya stole the show with its gloriously funky cheese, musky herbs and sneaky hint of mint, paired with a happy, sociable head high. Gorilla Glue was more reserved in flavour and personality, but equally enjoyable in its own laid-back way. Both delivered smooth draws, strong cerebral effects and hours of enjoyment.
TakeCBDlab may be a smaller name in Japan’s cannabinoid scene, but terpene lovers should absolutely keep an eye on them. Especially with UK Cheese now making an appearance.
And as always, stay legally lifted 🍃
Quick note: This product was provided to me as a review sample or won in a contest. There was no requirement for a review, and all opinions and experiences shared here are entirely my own.
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