Despite having some mysterious genetics, Bay 11 is a sativa that packs quite a punch. Created by experienced medical cannabis breeder Ken Estes (who also originated Grandaddy Purple), Bay 11 may be descended from the skunky hybrid Appalachia. Whatever its parentage, Bay 11 has won recognition for its balanced effects and distinctive, funky taste: it took first prize in the Sativa category of the 2011 San Francisco High Times Cannabis Cup. Genetic testing services also give Bay 11 high marks -- laboratory Analytical 360 has found its flowers to have between 15% and a whopping 25% THC.

Bay 11 has small to medium-sized flowers that cling together in small, pebble-like clusters. Despite appearing dense and solid, the leaves actually have a fluffy texture and a wispy, feathery appearance when viewed at close range. The leaves themselves appear mossy green and have relatively few hairy pistils. Flowers of Bay 11 are coated in trichomes that appear more transparent than white; so while the buds are very sticky, they don’t have the silvery sheen of other highly resinous strains like White Widow. When properly cured, the flowers are very pungent, with such a strong dank and skunky odor that your stash may need to be double-bagged. When ground or broken open, this strain smells slightly spicy -- giving some credence to the theory that its other parent is OG Kush. Bay 11 gives off a smooth smoke when burnt in a joint or a pipe and has a pop of citrus flavor that jumps out on the exhale.

Bay 11’s effects take hold quickly, with an initial tingle in facial and neck muscles. Users may notice themselves becoming more chatty if surrounded by friends; at the very least, they’ll become more observant, thinking more deeply and deliberately about otherwise things that might otherwise go unnoticed. Such cerebral effects are matched with an uptick in mood. Smokers report feeling anywhere from de-stressed to fully euphoric. As the high progresses, a warm calm melts through the core and lower body, conferring noticeable (but not overpowering) physical relaxation. This ideal balance between mind and body may allow users to open their minds to creative or analytical thinking. It can also be great for tasks that involve both mental acuity and physical coordination, like video games, exercise, and even sex. Be warned, though -- as consumption of Bay 11 increases, so does the likelihood of couchlock.

Just as it has a wide range of recreational effects, Bay 11 also has various applications for medical cannabis patients. Because it enhances perception while still allowing users to feel at ease, it may help those with anxiety or depression to appreciate their surroundings and to live “in the moment.” That same sense of sustained focus can help patients with attention deficit disorders to work more efficiently. Bay 11’s indica sedation can relieve mild to moderate aches and pains, whether incidental or chronic and disease-related. It can also be a powerful appetite stimulant. Best enjoyed during the daytime, this strain may not be the best choice for anyone struggling with serious anxiety, as its initial feelings of “mindrace” may lead to paranoia.

Estes has made seeds of Bay 11 available for sale online. Growers can also obtain cutting from mature plants of this strain in order to grow genetically identical clones. Bay 11 can be successfully cultivated indoors or outdoors, although outdoor grow operations requires semi-humid temperatures with consistent daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Grown indoors, plants show off their sativa heritage and may reach between 3 and 4 feet tall -- growers are encouraged to train these plants to fit in smaller spaces by trimming and pruning branches early in the vegetative stage. Bay 11 has a long flowering time, as is characteristic of purer sativa varieties: it is ready within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and can be harvested in late October when grown outdoors. This strain also rewards growers with a very high yield. Plants may offers as much as 83 to 102 grams (or 3 to 3.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant when grown indoors. This is also known to be a particularly pungent grow -- those looking to keep their operations on the D.L. should invest in odor control measures like carbon air filters.

A great choice for waking-and-baking, Bay 11 represents the best of what balanced hybrids have to offer. So far, it’s also proven useful in crossbreeding -- Bay 11 was crossed with Blackberry Kush and then Romulan to produce the rare White Buffalo.