Chocolate Thunder is a sativa-dominant strain that roars with robust chocolate flavor. This bud is a cross between Chocolope and the notorious Alaskan Thunderfuck. Besides a sweet smoke, it comes with a long-lasting and mentally acute high that’s sure to impress even veteran cannabis users. Surprisingly for a sativa, it can also provide thorough pain relief. Chocolate Thunder’s THC content has been measured at between 12% and 15%.

Chocolate Thunder’s flowers are marked by a small to medium size and a tapered, spade-like shape. Despite their mostly sativa genetics, the buds have a dense and compact indica-typical structure. The small, tightly-coiled leaves are a mossy green and are twisted through with curly brown and orange pistils. Finally, Chocolate Thunder’s flowers are crowned with a sprinkling of cloudy white trichomes.

On first inspection, Chocolate Thunder’s flowers emit a cloyingly sweet odor with a slightly toasted, nutty scent. Another whiff may pick up on some yeasty, bread-like notes as well. Grinding up or breaking open the flowers, meanwhile, yields an intensely spicy kick. When it’s burnt in a pipe or a joint, this strain’s smoke tends to be smooth and mild on the inhale. Flavors of cocoa and some slight fruit may emerge on the exhale.

Chocolate Thunder begins working relatively quickly, striking the smoker with a buzzy or dizzy feeling in the head. This rush may come along with some odd physical tics like an increased pulse around the eyes and lower forehead or an increase in salivation. As they become accustomed to these physical tics, consumers may note that Chocolate Thunder intensifies their thoughts, lending a new gravity to certain ideas or concepts; some inanimate objects may even take on a new fascination that they might not otherwise have. As such, Chocolate Thunder can be a good way to work on analytical tasks involving problem-solving skills or concentration on minute details. Alternatively, it can help lift inhibitions on creative thinking for those working on open-ended projects like crafting or brainstorming sessions. In some circumstances, the strain may have psychedelic sensory properties as well, leading to phenomena like slight visual or auditory hallucinations; many consumers also describe a strange feeling of time passing more slowly. Those who are so inclined can bask in these trippy effects by immersing themselves in a spacey playlist or turning on a visually-absorbing movie. Because of a relatively low indica influence, Chocolate Thunder’s energy tends not to melt into a weighty physical sedation, even as the high wears on. Instead, smokers can take advantage of the bud’s energy by engaging in some light to moderate physical exercise. The strain can also be a great social lubricant, helping to enhance conversation with a group for friends -- or even among relative strangers. Because of its mostly upbeat characteristics, this is one strain that’s best enjoyed during daylight hours. If toked just before bed, it’s liable to keep smokers awake and wired.

Chocolate Thunder can also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. The feeling of focus that comes with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on single tasks. Its uplifted mood may also help to temporarily relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physical benefits include chronic pain relief as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can address discomforts ranging from indigestion to headaches. Because its early cerebral effects may bring about a recursive, obsessive pattern of thinking, Chocolate Thunder is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of this strain are not available for sale online; as such, prospective home growers should take clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain in order to propagate clones. Once obtained, these plants can be grown indoors or out, although success outdoors calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Chocolate Thunder’s plants tend to grow tall and branchy and may call for occasional trimming. This strain flowers within about 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors.

A delicious daytime treat, Chocolate Thunder is worth sampling for its complex cocoa-accented flavor alone.