A strain that embodies the grassroots, D.I.Y. ethos of old-school cannabis culture, Blue Dot was originally created by an unidentified medical cannabis patient in Sonoma, California. This sativa-dominant hybrid is a blend of Leda Uno, Northern Lights, and Haze. It confers an active, cerebral high alongside a robust flavor profile. Blue Dot’s potency has been measured at between a modest 11% and a solid 20% THC.

Blue Dot sets itself apart with unique, eye-catching flowers. The nugs are medium-sized and have a tapered, spade-like shape. Despite predominantly sativa genetics, flowers have the densely-packed bud structure more often associated with indica varieties The leaves are particularly striking: like a camouflage print, they are flecked with various shades of green, ranging from sage to a dark forest green. Orange and brown pistils thread their way through these colorful flowers, while a high volume of cloudy white trichomes give the buds a slightly silver sheen.

When properly cured, buds of Blue Dot emit a mixture of earthy and fruity aromas. Bright and tart cherry scents mingle with a strong underlying dankness. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking apart the buds yields a powerfully hashy scent, verging on sickly-sweet. When combusted, these flavors coalesce in an acrid smoke that may cause users to cough and may make their eyes water. Blue Dot’s hash and incense notes become even more prominent when the strain is smoked. When exhaled, the strain leaves behind a faintly peppery taste -- perhaps testifying to the Haze in its genetics. Those consuming Blue Dot in public should keep in mind that this can be a very pungent and indiscreet strain when burnt.

Blue Dot offers what can be described as a creeper of a high, sometimes taking several minutes before its effects are fully felt. Don’t be fooled by this slow onset, though -- when Blue Dot hits, it hits hard, with a smack of pressure around the eyes and temples. What follows is a surge of euphoric energy that immerses smokers in their own thoughts. As a result, it’s important to consume this powerful strain in a properly comfortable and familiar set and setting. Under ideal conditions, Blue Dot can bring about some deep analytical thinking that’s as good for creative projects as it is for more prosaic, problem-solving scenarios. Alternatively, this strain can grant the motivation needed to get up and go, whether you need to clean the house or go out for a brisk run. Some may find that Blue Dot’s energy has an emotional tint, leading them to feel social and even downright giddy. Free-flowing conversation can happen easily, even with new acquaintances. As the high wears on, Blue Dot’s body high emerges, relaxing smokers but not incapacitating them to the point of couch-lock. This combination of mental and physical effects makes the strain good for activities that involve both mental presence and physical coordination -- including exercise, video games, and sex. Blue Dot can be enjoyed at any time of day, although the possibility of cerebral mind race may make some re-think smoking this strain just before bed.

Blue Dot also has psychological and somatic uses for medical cannabis patients. Its power to alter mood can benefit those suffering from moderate stress and depression by helping them to spend their time more consciously and mindfully. Blue Dot’s long-lasting feeling of focus can be of use to those with attention deficit disorders. Although slight, the strain’s physical relaxation can soothe aches and pains, as well as incidental annoyances like headaches and nausea. Because of the likelihood of paranoia resulting from its cerebral intensity, Blue Dot is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic and anxiety.

Perhaps because of its off-the-grid origin, Blue Dot has not been bred for seed production or sale. As such, prospective growers must obtain clippings from mature plants of the strain in order to grow clones. Blue Dot can be successfully cultivated indoors and out, although outdoor growing calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degree Fahrenheit. This strain flowers within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in mid-October when grown outdoors. Finally, just as it is pungent when smoked, Blue Dot can be just as pungent when grown -- those looking to keep their indoor grow operations discreet should invest in odor-control measures like carbon air filters.

Prized for its unmotivated energy and positivity, Blue Dot should not be passed up if it’s spotted on dispensary shelves