In Buddhist tradition, supposed pieces of the Gautama Buddha’s body are venerated as holy relics. The strain Buddha’s Tooth is named for such spiritual objects. It is a sativa-dominant cross between Dharma Diesel and uber-popular hybrid Blue Dream. The creation of Oregon-based growing operation Phantom Farms, Buddha’s Tooth offers a dynamic high and a complex, floral aroma. Its THC content ranges from 20% to 26%.

While the preserved fragments of the Buddha’s tooth on display throughout Asia can be incredibly small, flowers of Buddha’s Tooth are exceptionally large in size. These buds tend to have a chunky, elongated shape and a dense, characteristically indica internal structure. The small, broad leaves are a vibrant shade of spring green with hints of yellow. Curly brown pistils and icy-looking trichomes cap off these impressive flowers, adding to their visual appeal.

At first, a whiff of this strain’s flowers may pick up on some tangy notes of citrus. A closer inspection, however, may also detect some herbal, floral scents like lavender and eucalyptus. When these dense flowers are broken apart or ground up, they can release some astringent fumes of diesel, likely passed on from parent strain Dharma Diesel. Burning the buds in a pipe or a joint gives off a thick, heavy smoke that can be harsh on the lungs and sinuses. On the exhale, this smoke leaves behind flavors of diesel and lemon.

Buddha’s Tooth can have a slow onset, revealing its high up to 15 minutes after ingestion. When the high does arrive, it exerts a headrush that comes with a strange feeling of pressure around the cheekbones and temples; consumers may also experience an increase in salivation. Once these strange sensations dissipate, Buddha’s Tooth’s mental stimulation become apparent. Smokers’ thoughts may jump from one to another in spontaneous, freewheeling associations, raising unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. This cerebral mindset can be a great way to achieve productivity, whether you’re working on complex analytical tasks or creative personal projects. In social situations, Buddha’s Tooth can also spark lively, friendly conversation, even among new acquaintances.

As this high persists, it takes on more of a physical weightiness. Users who are active or out and about may suddenly feel bogged down, with limbs and eyelids sagging in equal measure. Those who are already lounging at home, meanwhile, may find themselves sinking into the nearest comfortable surface. While this body stone might not be incapacitating at first, increased dosage can result in total couchlock and undo some of the strain’s earlier acuity and motivation. Because of its gradual descent into laziness, Buddha’s Tooth is recommended for evening or nighttime consumption.

Buddha’s Tooth’s spectrum of recreational uses can also have some value for medical cannabis patients. For one, its initial feelings of mental engagement can enhance focus for those with attention deficit disorders. Additionally, its euphoria can temporarily improve the moods of those suffering from mild to moderate stress or depression. On the physical side of things, Buddha’s Tooth can alleviate deep-seated aches and pains, whether temporary or due to chronic diseases like lupus or COPD. Anti-inflammatory properties may lessen the severity of everyday discomforts like headaches and cramps. In a properly relaxed set and setting, Buddha’s Tooth’s sedation may even be a viable treatment for insomnia. However, because it comes with some risk of disordered and paranoid thinking, Buddha’s Tooth is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic.

Unfortunately, Phantom Farms has not made seeds of Buddha’s Tooth available for purchase online. Those looking to grow this strain at home must seek out mature, healthy plants in order to take clippings; these can be propagated as genetically identical “clones.” Once obtained, Buddha’s Tooth can be grown indoors or outdoors in a humid, Mediterranean-like climate. While there isn’t much information available on best practices specific to cultivating this strain, its indica-inflected flowers imply that crops grow short and bushy and that they flower within a brief 8 to 9 weeks.

While it might not be quite the same as viewing the Buddha’s tooth in person in India or Sri Lanka, toking Buddha’s Tooth can be a calming, contemplative experience. The strain’s balance of effects makes it worth seeking out by indica and sativa lovers alike.