Cali Jack is an indica-leaning strain that capitalizes on some powerful genetics. This bud is a cross between hybrid favorite Jack Herer and legendary indica pre-98 Bubba Kush. Created by prolific breeders Medicann Seeds, Cali Jack bursts with a rich, fruity flavor profile and deeply relaxing effects. Its THC levels have been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Cali Jack’s flowers set themselves apart with a spindly, elongated shape and a larger than average size. Thanks to their predominantly indica genetics, these buds have a dense internal structure with leaves that twist tightly inward toward their central stems. The leaves themselves are a vibrant shade of spring green punctuated by curly orange pistils. Finally, a coat of amber-colored trichomes covers all visible nooks and crannies of these chunky buds, accounting for their psychoactivity.

The most prominent aroma that wafts up from Cali Jack’s buds is an earthy musk, reminiscent of parent strain Bubba Kush. A closer whiff, meanwhile, picks up on fresh notes of orange. When broken apart or ground up, Cali Jack yields more of a skunky, gasoline-like odor. Burning these flowers yields a thick, acrid smoke that may irritate the palate and sinuses. On the exhale, this smoke combines flavors of citrus and skunk.

As with many other indicas, Cali Jack can take quite a while before unleashing its heady effects. After about 15 minutes, smokers may experience a headrush, accompanied by odd facial tics like a feeling of constriction around the temples and forehead. Once they become accustomed to these sensations, consumers can find themselves in an altered headspace. Thoughts may seem to take on a new frequency or intensity, allowing for everything from work productivity to lazy daydreaming. Additionally, consumers may be prone to odd sensory distortions like a flattening of depth perception or a sense of time moving more slowly. Those who enjoy these psychedelic vibes can push them even further with a moody album or movie. Cali Jack’s mental engagement can also be a great social lubricant, sparking lively conversation and camaraderie.

As Cali Jack’s potent high progresses, its mental effects give way to a weighty physical feeling. A tingle of relaxation that begins at the base of the neck may start to trickle down the spine and out through the core, relieving any knots of muscular tension. Smokers who may have been active in the high’s earlier phase may suddenly feel bogged down and might want to make a beeline for the comforts of home. Those who are already lounging can slowly sink into their immediate surroundings, rendering any external concerns temporarily irrelevant. At this point, Cali Jack is best suited to laidback activities like board games or binge-watching. Because of its gradual decline in energy levels, this strain is recommended for afternoon or evening consumption.

Cali Jack’s versatile properties can also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its initially tuned-in ways of thinking can enable extended concentration for those with attention deficit disorders. Its ability to elevate mood may also temporarily lessen the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. On the physical side of things, Cali Jack can numb aches and pains, whether temporary and inflammation-related or due to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or lupus. The strain’s tendency to induce the munchies can even work as an appetite enhancement for those struggling with digestive conditions or undergoing chemotherapy. Because its early cerebral state can result in some obsessive, recursive ways of thinking, Cali Jack may not be the best option for patients who are inexperienced with THC or who are prone to panic.

Luckily for home growers, Medicann has made seeds of Cali Jack available through digital retailers. Once obtained, it can be grown in controlled indoor conditions or outdoors in a hot and humid climate. Plants are on the shorter side, with a bushy structure and strong, sideways-growing branches; gardeners may need to trim back any broad fan leaves that may block light and air from reaching any low-growing nodes. For an indica, Cali Jack has a surprisingly long flowering time of between 10 and 11 weeks.

With an ideal balance of effects, Cali Jack’s high is right at home in a variety of settings. The strain may be of particular interest to fans of its illustrious parent strains.