There’s a strain of cannabis named after Stephen Hawking, so why not one for sometime cannabis advocate Carl Sagan as well? Developed as a cross between Pre-98 Bubba Kush and Blue Moonrocks, Carl Sagan is a sativa-leaning hybrid. It dishes up a focused but relaxing high that’s complemented by a mellow, earthy flavor. Its THC content ranges from 10% to 22%.

Carl Sagan’s otherworldly flowers are medium to large in size and cling together in irregular, chunky shapes. These buds have a somewhat sativa appearance, with a loose and fluffy composition at their outer fringes. The piecey, ragged-looking leaves are a vivid shade of spring green and are twisted through with curly red and orange pistils. A dusting of pale, translucent trichomes make these buds look slightly white when seen from afar.

When properly cured, flowers of Carl Sagan give off a robust, sweet scent with some light fruity notes. A second whiff may pick up on some underlying dankness, somewhat like fermented vegetable material. Grinding up the flowers, meanwhile, releases a rich, piney scent. When burnt, Carl Sagan gives off a smooth smoke that can be easily inhaled. On the exhale, it carries an earthy and musky taste, mixed with some sweetness.

Like many other predominantly sativa strains, Carl Sagan has a fast onset. Soon after it’s toked, consumers may feel as if their inner monologue has taken on a new intensity. Thoughts may flow more frequently than usual and may leap from one to another in unusual or surprising associations. Don’t count on a surge of productivity while under this strain’s influence, though -- while Carl Sagan is great for contemplating the mysteries of the universe in a way that Sagan himself might appreciate, it isn’t likely to enable long-term focus on detailed, analytical tasks. Feel free to enjoy this bus in low-stakes social situations, however, as it can stimulate good conversation and good vibes when shared with friends.

Within an hour or so after being consumed, Carl Sagan will begin to exert some pronounced physical effects. Smokers may feel some progressive relief from knots of tension and might find themselves able to take deep, restorative breaths. On the downside, though, this slowed-down pace can have the ancillary effect of killing any motivation or lucid energy that may have come with the high’s onset. As such, Carl Sagan is just the thing for kicking back with some snacks and entertainment (and if you want to stick to the theme, might we suggest Sagan’s series Cosmos or the film adaptation of his novel Contact?). Given the strain’s transition from an animated state into sluggish sedation, Carl Sagan is recommended for afternoon or early evening use, when it won’t totally derail your day’s agenda.

Carl Sagan can also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its early sense of focus and concentration may be helpful to those with attention deficit disorders. The strain’s upbeat energy may also relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, Carl Sagan may alleviate serious aches and pains as well as inflammation-related discomforts like cramps and headaches. It can also stoke the appetite, helping out those who have lost their hunger to disease or to harsh treatments like chemotherapy. Because of its cerebral intensity and the possibility of paranoia, Carl Sagan is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Prospective growers should seek out clippings of mature, healthy plants of Carl Sagan as seeds of the strain are not available online. Although there isn’t much information available on best practices for growing this specific bud, its indica-looking flowers suggest that plants max out at about 3 feet tall and have strong patterns of lateral branching. As such, they may fare better indoors than out and may have a shorter flowering time of anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks.

Whether you’re using it to calculate complex astrophysical equations or just kicking back on the couch, Carl Sagan is a great strain for end-of-day enjoyment. Its fruity and piney scent adds some bonus appeal.