Alaska is a sativa-dominant hybrid that offers long-lasting, fast-paced effects. It is the brainchild of Tikun Olam, a breeding operation based in cannabis hot spot Israel. Unfortunately, Tikun Olam has kept Alaska’s genetic background a proprietary secret -- but there’s no mystery to this bud’s power to boost energy and improve mood. There must be something in the water in Israel -- THC was first discovered there in 1964, and the team at Tikun Olam have since refined its cultivation, achieving eye-popping levels of up to 30% THC with Alaska.

Alaska is marked by medium to large flowers that have an elongated shape. Rather than the “nuggets” typically associated with more indica-dominant varieties, these flowers are elongated in almost cylindrical shapes, like mini cypress trees. The soft leaves spiral loosely outward from their central stems and have a piecey, fluffy appearance. These leaves are a bright shade of spring green and are twisted through with rust-colored pistils. Finally, amber trichomes give Alaska’s buds a slight yellow sheen and make them particularly resinous to the touch.

Holding a cured flower of Alaska to the nose yields mostly peppery, almost savory notes. On closer inspection, there is also an underlying dankness, similar to damp earth. Meanwhile, grinding up or picking apart Alaska’s spindly flowers gives off some skunky pungency. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Alaska burns with an acrid smoke that can easily tickle the palate and the sinuses. This smoke tastes spicy with some hints of pine and cedar on the exhale.

Alaska hits the smoker quickly, exerting a gentle throbbing around the eyes and temples, along with a tingle in the salivary glands. This strain also throws standard sensory perceptions out of whack, introducing trippy elements like visual distortions and an amplification of sights and sounds. Alaska’s loud, imminent energy banishes troubles or preoccupations, making smokers focus on their immediate surroundings. In addition to these sensations, Alaska’s high is marked by an uptick in recursive, cerebral thinking. Some smokers may find themselves turning the same ideas over and over in their minds; others can feel their thoughts flow rapidly in free association. While this mindrace can be overwhelming for some, in the right set and setting, Alaska can provide euphoria. Its mental buzz can make users giddy and talkative, especially when surrounded by -- or sharing with -- a group of like-minded friends. For those feeling more productive, this strain’s cerebral properties can be good for plowing through complex, work-related tasks. It’s also helpful in lowering inhibitions and opening up new pathways of creativity. Its enhancement of the natural world makes this strain an especially great way to enjoy the great outdoors. Though this high is mostly sativa-dominant, some subtle physical relaxation can eventually creep in, encompassing anything from heavy limbs to a tendency to zone out. Because it is so buzzy and active, Alaska is best consumed during the day; if enjoyed before bed, it’s liable to keep consumers wired and awake.

Alaska’s alert, sharp-eyed effects can have many benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. The strain can temporarily take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress and depression. Its initial feelings of focus may also enhance concentration for those with attention deficit disorders. Alaska’s physical properties can soothe aches and pains, whether they’re temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Because its mindrace can be dizzying and disoriented, possibly leading to paranoia for some, Alaska should be avoided by patients who are especially prone to panic and anxiety or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Tikun Olam has not made seeds of Alaska available for sale online. Instead, prospective growers must obtain clippings of mature plants from a trusted source in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” While there is little information available on specific best practices for cultivating Alaska, we know that, like many hybrids, in can be grown indoors or outdoors in hot and humid climates. Its sativa-leaning genetics also suggest that the strain can grow quite tall, requiring indoor growers to prune back their crops early in the growing process. Because it is a sativa, Alaska is also likely to have a longer flowering time of about 10 weeks.

Alaska is a high-powered sativa that’s as enjoyable in social situations as it is for solo use. In the right circumstances, it can make you feel like you like you’re cruising peacefully through the Alaskan wilderness.