With a name like Blue OG, this strain sets some high expectations. Luckily, it exceeds them, combining the best of indica strains Blueberry and Blue Moonshine with none other than OG Kush to yield a perfectly balanced high. Created by G13 labs -- European breeders responsible for innovative strains like Royal Kush -- Blue OG also offers an interesting fruity, kushy taste. This strain’s THC content has been measured at between 13% and 19%.

Blue OG stands out with medium to large buds that have a pronounced cylindrical shape. The nugs are dense and compact, as might be expected of an indica-leaning strain, and the tightly-packed leaves are a pale shade of sea green. Fiery orange hairs -- which are actually pistils, structures meant to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants -- twist their way through the curly leaves.

Glassy trichomes cover these already-colorful flowers and give the buds a frosty silver appearance.

A zesty orange aroma wafts up from cured buds of Blue OG. This citrus profile is accented by a slight berry tang, passed on from Blueberry. A closer inspection yields some notes of incense and hash, pointing to the strain’s Afghani and Hindu Kush lineage, while grinding up or breaking open the buds smells distinctly skunky. Blue OG burns with a harsh and acrid smoke when combusted that may induce coughing. On the exhale, it has a sharp fruity flavor matched by a slight diesel tang.

Blue OG’s high creeps up slowly, often taking many minutes after smokers have finished savoring its unique flavor before making itself fully known. Smokers will eventually pick up on a sluggishness in the core and limbs and some heaviness in the eyelids, accompanied by a mounting sense of euphoria. There is some initial mental stimulation that may trigger some free-associative thinking. This cerebral mindset may be good for expansive creative brainstorming as well as for analytical problem-solving. Slowly, the body high intensifies, causing muscular tension to evaporate as deep breathing comes about more freely and easily. This combination of mental and physical effects may lend itself to activities that involve both body and mind like hiking, exercising, and even sex. Eventually, Blue OG’s indica side fully takes over, conferring full-body relaxation that deepens as the high wears on. In the later stages of the high, smokers may find themselves couchlocked. Because of its taper from productive energy into foggy relaxation, Blue OG is best suited to late afternoon use. This strain’s effects are said to be strong and long-lasting, even for cannabis veterans.

Blue OG may have several applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Its sedative properties can be a balm for aches and pains, whether they’re temporary as due to injury or chronic and caused by conditions like arthritis or lupus. In its early set, Blue OG may help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on any tasks at hand. Finally, this strain’s even-handed and mellow vibes can temporarily elevate to ease the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Because of its relative lack of cerebral intensity, Blue OG may be a good choice for those who are prone to panic or who have a lower tolerance for THC.

Fortunately, G13 has made seeds of Blue OG available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. As plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching, growers should “top” their crops by trimming away any broad fan leaves that can block light and air from reaching low-growing flowering nodes. Blue OG flowers within 8 weeks when cultivated indoors and is known to offer growers a moderate yield of about 37 to 47 grams (or 1.3 to 1.7 ounces) for their efforts.

Blue OG’s high is versatile enough to enjoy in various settings. It’s as enjoyable while kicking back at home as it is in more party-focused scenarios. If you do bring it out in public, bring enough to share, as this strain’s dynamic fruity aroma is likely to attract some attention. Because of its particularly high resin production, Blue OG is a very good strain for the production of hash and other THC concentrates.