Blue Thai is a slightly sativa-leaning hybrid. Originally conceived in the Netherlands, it is a cross between Blueberry and pungent landrace variety Thai Skunk. Blue Thai comes to us from Dinafem, the Spanish-based breeding company responsible for other taste-focused strains in the Blueberry family like Blue Kush. Although this strain’s middling psychoactivity may not impress experience cannabis users, it can be great for newcomers. Blue Thai’s THC levels have been measured at between 13% and 21%.

Blue Thai is distinguished by large-sized buds that have a tapered shape; these flowers are similar in appearance to cannabis’ close botanical relation, hops. The buds have a dense, tightly-packed structure characteristic of predominantly indica varieties. The mossy green leaves are threaded through with pale yellow pistils. Many phenotypes also show off flashes of purple ranging from lavender to deep violet. These vibrant colors come about when high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments in the plant’s genetics are agitated by cool nighttime temperatures during the growing process. The colorful buds are capped off by a dusting of icy white trichomes.

When properly cured, Blue Thai bursts with a pronounced blueberry aroma. Some woody, earthy base notes also lurk underneath. Grinding or breaking up the buds yields some pungent and tangy odors, evidence of the Skunk in their genetics. When combusted, Blue Thai can smell harsh and acrid and may even induce coughing. This strain’s smoke has a slightly herbal, spicy taste on the exhale. Notably, Blue Thai comes without any detectable grape flavors despite its purple leaves; this is because, while its color is determined by pigmentations, cannabis’ taste is dictated by chemical compounds called terpenes.

Blue Thai has a high that mounts slowly. Several minutes after toking, users may detect a faint tingle in the face and especially in the temples. Smokers may eventually notice some alteration in their patterns of thinking, as certain thoughts or abstract concepts may seem more interesting than they ordinarily might. Nevertheless, Blue Thai allows for the kind of clear, lucid thinking that makes daily tasks like cleaning or grocery shopping more interesting. A sustained feeling of somatic relaxation pervades the high, and this meld of mental and physical effects makes Blue Thai great for activities that involve both mind and body -- including, but not limited to, exercising, dancing, or sex. Some smokers may also find that the strain inspires creativity. Blue Thai is a great wake-and-bake strain for indica fans, as it won’t incapacitate users off the bat but will still provide the relaxation needed to get through a day with minimal stress. This strain is as enjoyable out with friends as it is for solo savoring at home.

Blue Thai may also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its mild euphoric uplift can take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress, depression, or anxiety. Physically relaxing effects can soothe chronic aches and pains, while anti-inflammatory properties can take care of more everyday annoyances like nausea and headaches. Because it is unlikely to lead to the kind of intense, recursive thinking associated with stronger sativas, Blue Thai is a good choice for those who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Dinafem has made seeds of Blue Thai available for sale online. Although the strain’s Thai landrace ancestor can be difficult to grow outside of its native climate, this hybrid has been stabilized by crossbreeding and can even stand up to mold when grown outdoors. That said, successful outdoor cultivation calls for a warm, semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Those looking to bring out Blue Thai’s eye-catching indigo hues should also expose their crops to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Blue Thai flowers within 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in mid October when grown outdoors. It offers a high yield of 56 to 74 grams (or about 2 to 2.6 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Although it may not win over smokers with a high tolerance for THC, Blue Thai is a good option for easing newcomers into the merits of both indica and sativa strains.