Although its name is decidedly minimalist, C3 has a complicated lineage and a complex, multilayered high. This indica-heavy bud is descended from sativa favorite Chemdawg and an unnamed Thai-Pakistani hybrid with a lemony flavor. Mental stimulation slowly melts into a physical state of bliss after consumers have toked on this bud’s rich earthy smoke. C3’s THC content has been measured at between 16% and 23%.

C3 sets itself apart with medium to large-sized flowers that adhere in a chunky, roughly spherical formation. These buds have a typically tight and dense indica structure, with small and tightly-coiled leaves. These leaves are a bright shade of lime green and are wound through with vibrant orange hairs (which are actually pistils, reproductive botanical structures meant to catch pollen. Finally, glittering white trichomes make C3’s flowers appear slightly moist and very sticky to the touch.

C3’s buds give off a heavily earthy, musky aroma when properly cured. A second whiff, however, reveals some fresh lemon accents. Grinding up these flowers, meanwhile, results in a sour, skunk-like odor. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, C3 burns with a harsh and acrid smoke that may cause coughing or watery eyes. This heavy smoke tastes dank and a little herbal on the exhale.

Despite its mostly indica genetic background, C3 comes on quickly like a sativa, conferring a headrush and an initially alert mental state. Cerebral stimulation can result in an inordinate focus on mundane objects or ideas as well as a freely-associative train of thought. This intense focus can help some users focus on complicated, detail-oriented tasks; it can also add a little bit of excitement to otherwise boring chores like doing laundry. For those not feeling quite as productive, C3’s tendency to turn up the volume on an inner monologue may help inspire chattiness and camaraderie when shared with either friends or acquaintances. As the high wears on, however, C3’s zoned-in mental effects begin to give way to spacey physical relaxation. Instead of becoming immersed in their thoughts, smokers may instead become attuned to strange changes in their perception like an intensification of certain sights or sounds or an ineffable feeling of time passing more slowly. As these trippy sensations set in, users may also feel waves of relaxation roll down through their core and spine as they're able to breathe more deeply and easily. At this point, C3 is better suited to calm, passive activities like playing board games or snacking than it is to any sustained focus on job-related tasks or problem-solving scenarios. The strain isn’t entirely without physical effects, however; the subtle combination of mental and physical stimulation that comes through on its backend can make C3 a powerful aphrodisiac in the right circumstances (and with the right company). Because of its gradual decrescendo in energy levels, this bud is recommended for use starting in the early evening.

C3’s heavy, relaxing properties can be of use to medical cannabis patients as well. Its relaxed effects can temporarily improve the harsh symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Physiologically, it can dull deep-seated aches and pains as well as minor everyday discomforts due to inflammation, like headaches. As noted, C3 can also lull susceptible consumers into a restful sleep, making it an effective treatment for insomnia. Because its early stages may bring about an intense, paranoid state of mind in the wrong set and setting, patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance should consume this strain with caution and in moderation.

Unfortunately for home growers, seeds of C3 are not available online. Instead, they should seek out clippings of mature, healthy plants of the strain, which can be grown as genetically identical “clones.” These clones can be cultivated indoors or outdoors in a hot, humid climate. Plants tend to grow short and bushy, and gardeners should occasionally trim away any large fan leaves that are blocking light and air from nourishing any low-growing flowering nodes. C3 flowers with a relatively brief 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a medium yield of buds.

C3 is a great option for indica lovers who still want a bit of a cerebral kick early on. Smokers trying to keep a low profile should take some precautions, as this strain’s smoke can be very pungent and can carry for quite a distance.