Chong Star is a well-balanced hybrid created for and named in honor of comedian and cannabis enthusiast Tommy Chong (of “Cheech and Chong” game). The creation of Colorado-based Marisol Therapeutics, this bud’s genetic background is not well documented. Nevertheless, it is popular among western U.S. consumers for its sweet flavor and well-rounded effects. Its THC content ranges from 17% to 23%.

Although they’re potent, Chong Star’s flowers are not especially visually impressive. They are typically small in size and align together in tight, pebbly clusters. The roughly spherical buds have a characteristically indica structure, packed densely together at their core. The relatively small leaves are a dark shade of green and are wound through with curly orange and yellow pistils. Finally, translucent white trichomes cover the inner and outer surfaces of the tight little buds.

When they’re properly cured, Chong Star’s buds have a sweet and earthy aroma, similar to damp soil. There are also some woodsy base notes lurking underneath. Grinding up the nuggets, meanwhile, gives off a tangy, skunky odor. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Chong Star gives off a smooth and easily ingested smoke. This smoke tastes sweet and mellow on the exhale.

Chong Star has a relatively fast mechanism of action, stimulating smokers a few minutes after it’s ingested. It tends to go straight to the head, creating some buzzy feelings like an increased pulse in the temples and some possible flushing in the cheeks. These unfamiliar sensations eventually dissipate and are replaced by a change in the user’s way of thinking. Ideas may jump from one to the next in a chain of free-association, making this a good strain to smoke before kicking off a freewheeling brainstorming session. This bud’s cerebral energy can also help facilitate work on detailed analytical projects, whether they’re work-related or personal. In social settings, Chong Star’ tendency to amplify inner monologues can make it a great conversational aid whether it’s shared with good friends or new acquaintances.

Chong Star’s wide-reaching effects can have several benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. Its sharp feeling of focus may aid in task-based concentration for those with attention deficit disorders. Its mood-boosting properties, meanwhile, can temporarily improve the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Physically speaking, the strain can soothe pain, whether it’s chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia, or to simple inflammation like headaches or minor injuries. Chong Star can even be a great appetite stimulant, helping to stoke hunger for those who have lost their appetite to disease or to harsh treatments like chemotherapy. Because of the possibility of paranoia that comes with its cerebral mindset, Chong Star is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Marisol Therapeutics has not as yet made seeds of Chong Star available for sale online. As such, those wishing to grow it at home should seek out clippings from mature and healthy plants that can be grown as genetically identical “clones.” Once obtained, these clones can be grown indoors or out, where they maintain a short and bushy stature with strong lateral branches. Growers may need to occasionally trim away any broad fan leaves that can block light and air from reaching any low-growing flowering nodes. Chong Star flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

A good choice for indica and sativa lovers alike, Chong Star makes for a good smoke whether you’re consuming alone or sharing with some like-minded friends.