Armageddon is a sativa-dominant hybrid that packs a serious punch. As its name implies, this strain is very potent and can stand up to the expectations of cannabis newbies and veterans alike. Armageddon’s creators, Netherlands-based Homegrown Fantaseeds, have kept its genetic background information proprietary. Nevertheless, Armageddon scores points for a strong, long-lasting head high that’s balanced out by subtle physical effects. This strain’s THC levels have been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Flowers of Armageddon stand out with their distinctively elongated, spindly shape. Small to medium in size, these buds have a characteristically sativa structure, with ragged-looking leaves clinging loosely to their central stems. The leaves themselves express mossy green hues and are twisted through with curly brown hairs -- which are actually pistils, botanical structures meant to catch pollen from flowering male plants. Finally, cloudy white trichomes dust the inner and outer surfaces of Armageddon’s flowers, accounting for their psychoactivity and giving them a very resinous texture.

When its flowers are properly cured, Armageddon has a complex aroma that may give some hints as to its genetics. The buds give off strong, gasoline-tinged fumes, suggesting some connection to sativa staple Sour Diesel. On closer inspection, there are also some fruity, lemony notes. Meanwhile, grinding up these tight nugs yields a skunky-sweet odor. When burnt, Armageddon gives off a harsh smoke that can make some consumers tear up. This acrid smoke has flavors on diesel and lemon on the exhale, giving an overall impression that’s somewhat like artificially-scented home cleaning products.

While Armageddon’s diesel aroma may certainly smell like the end of the world, its high is anything but apocalyptic. Unusually for a sativa, this high can creep up on the consumer. Several minutes after ingesting (or coughing on) Armageddon’s smoke, users may feel a gradually mounting pressure around the eyes and temples. At the same time, smokers’ thoughts kick into high year, jumping from one to the next in rapid free association. Some altered sensory experiences, such as an intensified perception of sights and sounds, are also commonly reported. This active, stimulated mindset can be a good way to tackle a long list of work related-tasks, whether they’re complicated and analytical or more open-ended and creative. Alternative, the strain can be a fun way to jazz up mundane activities like cleaning the house or grocery shopping. As the high wears on or as dosage is increased, Armageddon comes noticeably more sedative, with deep physical relaxation grounding out the bud’s prior excitement. While users may not necessarily become couchlocked, they’re likely to feel some heaviness in their limbs and an increased capacity for deep, restorative breathing. This eventual combination of physical and mental stimulation is well-suited to activities that involve coordination of both body and mind, like exercising or playing video games.

Armageddon can also have several therapeutic effects for medical cannabis patients as well. Its lucid, clear-eyed focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to sustain focus on a single task. Its mood-elevating effects can also temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, this bud’s subtle effects can also take care of deep-seated aches and pains, as well as mild everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. Because its cerebral onset can prove too intense for some, Armageddon is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Fortunately for home growers, Homegrown has made seeds of Armageddon available online; they can be shipped both inside and outside of the company’s home base in Europe. Once obtained, the strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. That said, Armageddon is said to be a forgiving crop for novice growers and may be resistant to adverse conditions like temperature variations. Plants flower within 8 weeks when grown indoors and are ready for harvest in late October when grown outdoors. At maturity, these plants offers a high yield of flowers for patient growers. Finally, Armageddon can be a particularly pungent grow; those looking to keep their indoor grow rooms discreet should invest in odor control measures like carbon air filters.

Armageddon is as enjoyable for mellow solo use as it is when shared with boisterous, like-minded friends. Its balance of effects make it a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike.