Although its name conjures alternating images of frenzied ‘80s pop and machine guns, B-52 is actually an incredibly relaxing indica. The strain comes to us from Nirvana Seeds, also the creators of Black Jack, and is a cross between staple strain Skunk and Big Bud. With a pungent aroma and long-lasting therapeutic effects, it provides a nice background buzz for a variety of laid-back activities. B-52’s THC content has been reported at between 11% and 18%.

B-52 is distinguished by small to medium-sized buds that cling together in clustered, roughly spherical formations. The buds have an indica-typical structure, with small leaves that spiral tightly inward toward the central stems. These leaves themselves are a dark shade of forest green and are twisted through with dark orange hairs, which are actually pistils, botanical structures intended for reproduction. Finally, translucent white trichomes coat the inner and outer surfaces of these dense flowers, making them very hard to break up without a quality grinder.

When properly cured, the primary aroma that rises off of buds of B-52 is mellow and earthy, like a musty basement. On closer inspection, there are also some woodsy hints of pine. Grinding up these pebbly buds releases all the tang and perfume of parent strain Skunk. When combusted, B-52 burns with a harsh and potentially eye-watering smoke. On the exhale, this smoke tastes sweet and dank.

Despite its mostly indica roots, B-52 is a strain that doesn’t take very long to begin working. Shortly after ingesting its thick smoke, consumers may be struck by a head rush that induces some dizziness and a light pressure around the temples. As they adjust to these odd sensations, smokers may be swept into a haze of sensory distortion, in which they perceive sights and sounds with a new intensity. Many users report trippy phenomena like a flattening of depth and perspective, as well as an ineffable sense of time moving more slowly. Those who want to immerse themselves in this kind of psychedelia can enhance the mood by turning on a spacey playlist or movie. Along with these sensory effects, B-52 can also bring a cerebral energy to consumers’ thoughts, helping them to focus on the finer points of detail-oriented work and opening up new associations between seemingly unrelated ideas and concepts. This kind of frenetic thinking can be a good way to stoke conversation in social situations. After some time, B-52’s mental stimulation melts into a more lazy, sluggish mood that’s better suited to lounging around. If dosage is increased, this relaxation can easily progress into full-fledged couchlock, helping consumers slowly meld into their surroundings as the outside world slowly fades away. Because of its sharp decline in energy levels, B-52 is best consumed between later afternoon and early evening.

B-52’s wide-ranging properties give it a few uses for medical cannabis patients as well. The cerebral acuity that comes with the high’s onset can be a good way for those with attention deficit disorders to stay focused. The strain’s upbeat vibe may also help temporarily treat mild to moderate stress and depression. It can also soothe physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. Anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, can take care of minor irritations like cramps. Because it can induce a fairly disorienting sense of “mindrace,” B-52 is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

Fortunately for home growers, Nirvana sells seeds of this dynamic strain online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation typically calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching. B-52 flowers within 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers gardeners a very high yield of flowers come harvest time.

Thanks to its one-two punch of effects, B-52 is a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. If you’re consuming it in public, you may want to take some precautions, as this strain’s pungency is liable to attract some unwanted attention.