For many, the words Allen Wrench conjure up those pesky, easy-to-lose tools that come packaged with unassembled modular furniture. For some cannabis lovers, though, Allen Wrench sparks thoughts of productivity and motivation. The Allen Wrench strain is a mostly sativa cross between potent sativa Trainwreck and landrace-derived hybrid NYC Diesel. With a simultaneously fruity and sour bouquet, this strain is sure to leave an impression on the palate -- but it's primarily known for its ability to ratchet up users' higher-order thinking and to inspire creativity. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found flowers of Allen Wrench to have between 16% and a staggering 28% THC content.

Allen Wrench's bag appeal is established by some very visually impressive flowers. The nugget-like blossoms are medium to large and have the long, tapered appearance typical of other sativa varieties; depending on the individual plant phenotype, flowers may range in shape from spade-like to almost cylindrical. The leaves are tightly packed together in a dense bud structure and are a mossy green, threaded through with vibrant orange pistils. An abundance of glassy white trichomes give the flowers a sheen and a resinous texture. This is an especially hard strain to break apart without the use of a grinder. When Allen Wrench is properly cured, it gives off the stench of gasoline, an odor inherited from its NYC Diesel parent strain. A skunky tang can also be detected while grinding up or breaking open the buds yields a faint citrus smell. Allen Wrench burns with a very smooth smoke that tastes earthy and distinctly lemony on the exhale. Smokers should note that this is a particularly pungent smoke - those looking to keep their consumption discreet should take the necessary precautions.

The high from Allen Wrench comes on quickly as a headrush, accompanied by a mounting pressure behind the eyes and temples. Users may also notice some increased salivation at first. Almost immediately, smokers will detect a change in perception: otherwise mundane objects or experiences can take on new significance, worthy of deep analysis. This kind of free-associative thinking may stoke creative, artistic work; it can also allow for cerebral problem-solving, helping users to see an entrenched challenge from a new angle. As the high wears on and users become accustomed to this altered state, Allen Wrench's cerebral nature can become more comfortable. In social settings, this may lend itself to stimulating conversation -- or even just a few shared giggles. Because it keeps smokers alert at best and jittery at worst, Allen Wrench is an excellent choice for daytime productivity but is not always the best option for nighttime use.

Because of its predominantly sativa vibes, Allen Wrench's medical applications are more psychological than physiological. It can help patients with attention deficit disorders to sustain focus on single tasks. It can also clear a cluttered mind that may be distracted by stress or a busy schedule. Because of its tendency towards intense recursive thinking, though, Allen Wrench is not recommended for those who tend towards anxiety or paranoia.

Allen Wrench's original breeders are as yet unknown, and its original seed stock has not been released for commercial sale. Instead, prospective growers need to obtain clippings from mature plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical clones. This finicky variety may not be the best choice for newcomers to cultivation. It can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing requires semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climates. Indoors, Allen Wrench can stretch to impressive heights, especially during the flowering period. As such, growers are encouraged to train and stunt its vertical growth by trimming and pruning plants early in the vegetative stage. As is typical of purer sativas, this strain has a very long flowering time of about 10 to 11 weeks when grown indoors. It can also be a very smelly crop, and those trying to keep a low profile should invest in odor-control measures like carbon air filters or exhaust fans.

Allen Wrench's potent psychoactivity is an asset to cannabis veterans who can wrangle its persistent mind race to produce creative and thoughtful output. Well suited to daytime -- and particularly morning -- use, its long-lasting sativa buzz is just the thing for thinking outside the box, or for simply appreciating the thousands of new experiences that every day has to offer.