Appalachia is a pungent hybrid with a strong sativa edge. Although its name refers to the mountainous region of the Eastern United States, Appalachia was developed in Colorado by High and Lonesome Seeds. This full-bodied strain is a cross between the notorious Green Crack and the Afghani-descended Tres Dawg. It has a skunky bouquet and imparts a perky, alert mindset. Appalachia’s psychoactivity has been measured at between 16% and 21% THC.

Flowers of Appalachia impress with their large size and elongated shape. The buds have more of a sativa structure with fluffy, somewhat ragged-looking leaves that can be easily torn from their central stems. The leaves are a dull, muted shade of green and are threaded through with vibrant orange pistils. Translucent white trichomes coat the inner and outer surfaces of the flowers, making Appalachia a very difficult strain to break up without the use of a grinder.

When properly cured, flowers of Appalachia have the striking scent of overripe fruit. This simultaneously sweet and skunky aroma, with notes of citrus, is reminiscent of parent strain Green Crack. On closer inspection, the flowers have a mellow, piney odor as well. Meanwhile, breaking up or grinding the buds yields some hashy, incense-like notes, leaving no doubt as to Appalachia’s Afghani landrace lineage. When burnt, this strain gives off a surprisingly smooth smoke that tastes skunky and faintly herbal on the exhale.

Appalachia makes itself known quickly, hitting smokers between the eyes with a bracing pressure that may verge on throbbing, Eyelids may droop as mouths curl upwards into smiles. As users adjust to these disorienting effects, they may find that their sensory perception is sharper: sight and sounds may take on new dimensions. Furthermore, an analytical mindset may take over. Smokers may find value in thoughts or concepts otherwise deemed uninteresting. This mental acuity can be a great way to tackle both problem solving scenarios and creative projects. A feeling of euphoria may also persist, making smokers want to socialize and engage in free-flowing conversation. Appalachia has very few physical effects and couchlock is not commonly reported. For this reason, it is a good choice for energizing morning or afternoon use.

Appalachia’ sativa-leaning properties have many uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Physiologically, its anti-inflammatory effects can ease everything from headaches to nausea. Psychologically, it may take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress and depression, helping the afflicted to spend their time more consciously and deliberately. It can also help patients with attention deficit disorders to focus on a single task. Because Appalachia’s sativa side can bring about a disorienting feeling of mindrace in its early stages, it is not recommended for people who may be prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

No commercial-scale breeders have made seeds of Appalachia available for sale online. As such, prospective growers will need to obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical clones. Like many hybrids, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a warm and semi-humid climate with consistent daylight. Although there is limited information available on best practices for growing this strain, we know that parent strain Green Crack can grow very tall and spindly, especially during the flowering period. This height can be managed in limited indoor spaces by trimming and pruning branches early on in the vegetative stage.

Growers should be sure to preserve Appalachia’s unique flavor through a two-stage process called curing. Curing first requires freshly-trimmed buds to be hung upside-down for a week in 70-degree surroundings with consistent 50% humidity. Once sufficiently dry to the touch, the buds should be sealed in airtight containers and stored in slightly more moist conditions of 60-65% humidity; as they cure, buds should regularly be checked for mold or mildew.

Whether you’re hiking in West Virginia or lounging on a beach in California, Appalachia is a great strain for striking off into the great outdoors and enjoying what nature has to offer. Alternatively, it can be great for working through a to-do list or simply winding down after a long day of work.