Caramelo is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a smooth, dessert-like aroma. This strain was created by breeder Delicious Seeds -- also responsible for Cheese Candy and Qleaner -- and is derived from the genetics of fragrant Lavender. With a strong landrace backbone and potent, well-balanced effects, it’s no wonder Caramelo has won multiple European cannabis awards. Its high is also said to last longer than average. Caramelo’s THC content has been measured at between 17% and a staggering 31%.

Caramelo’s flowers are small to medium in size and adhere in elongated formations that narrow into a pointed tip. The buds have a characteristically indica structure, with their leaves densely and tightly packed. These leaves themselves are arguably the strain’s most compelling visual feature: a patchwork of pale sage and vivid spring green. Red and yellow pistils twist their way through these colorful leaves. Finally, a crown of frosty white trichomes gives Caramelo’s flowers a very sticky texture.

When properly cured, Caramelo’s flowers smell very sweet, with some overtones of toasty cocoa. On closer inspection, there is also a dank, earthy aroma. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking open Caramelo’s flowers gives off herbal and floral base notes, passed on from Lavender. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Caramelo burns with a smooth and easily palatable smoke. This smoke tastes nutty and sweet on the exhale, almost like a flavored coffee.

Unsurprisingly given its sativa background, Caramelo’s high hits the user quickly. Initial effects include a mounting blood pressure around the eyes and temples and some flushing in the cheeks. Once they adjust to these odd sensations, smokers may note that their thoughts have taken on an elevated quality -- they may be more attuned to surrounding stimuli like bright colors or loud sounds, and may even feel their thoughts jumping around in free association. This cerebral energy is accompanied by a kind of euphoria in which any prior stresses or preoccupations of the day begin to dissipate. Given this combination of mental stimulation and a laid-back attitude, many consumers may find that Caramelo can facilitate creativity allowing for open-ended brainstorming or artistic projects. This strain’s ability to clear anxiety and inhibitions even makes it a powerful aphrodisiac in the right set and setting. After a while, waves of physical relaxation roll down the neck and spread through the spine and core. Previously active smokers may want to take a load off and lounge on the closest comfortable couch. Caramelo isn’t likely to totally incapacitate its consumers, though -- instead, the easygoing feeling that creeps in on its backend can serve to take the edge off of any previous jumpiness or overstimulation from the high’s onset. Users can kick back and still maintain mental lucidity, leaving them free to take on a mountain of work or simply to enjoy some buzzy conversation with friends. Because of its gradual taper off into relaxation, Caramelo is recommended for enjoyment between late afternoon to early evening.

Caramelo can also have some applications for medical cannabis patients. Its uplifting vibes can temporarily soothe the symptoms of stress and depression, while its cerebral focus can aid concentration for those with attention deficit disorders. Caramelo can also relieve physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like arthritis or lupus. Because its intense, recursive patterns of thinking can be overwhelming in some cases, Caramelo is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

Seeds of Caramelo are available for purchase directly from Delicious Seeds. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a hot and semi-humid climate. That said, this strain’s hardy landrace roots -- which include genetics from Afghanistan, Hawaii, and South Asia -- make it a resilient crop that can be resistant to adverse growing conditions like mold. Caramelo’s plants can grow very tall, and indoor growers may need to trim them back occasionally to curb their height. Caramelo flowers within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in early September when grown outdoors. It offers a yield of about 37 to 42 grams (1.3 to 1.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

With a multilayered high, Caramelo is a great choice for indica and sativa lovers alike. This sweet and creamy strain makes a tasty midday treat.