What if there are droves of extraterrestrials secretly controlling the White House? Conspiracy Kush is a mostly indica hybrid from Heroes of the Farm, a subset of the growing collective TGA Seeds. Its name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to its genetic lineage: it’s a cross between novelty hybrid Obama Kush and breeder Vic High’s tasty Space Queen. With a memorable aroma and a potent sedative high, this is one flower that deserves to be savored and not quickly consumed. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 puts its THC content at 14% to 25%.

Cured flowers of Conspiracy Kush are packaged as small to medium-sized, popcorn-like nuggets. The buds have the tight, dense structure typical of many other indica varieties. The tightly coiled leaves are an earthy shade of yellowish green, although some phenotypes show unexpected shades of purple. This latter, more vibrant color comes about when pigments called anthocyanins are stimulated by cold weather during the growing process -- a transformation similar to the seasonal changes in foliage due to depleted levels of chlorophyll. Depending on individual phenotype, the flowers are coated in milky white trichomes that lend a slightly moist appearance and a sticky texture. When cured properly, Conspiracy Kush smells like fresh citrus. There are also some dank, sickly-sweet odors of overripe fruit. When burnt, this strain gives off a remarkably smooth smoke that has a spicy, peppery aftertaste. Like its Afghani and OG Kush grandparent strains, this pungent flower’s funk can linger for awhile in an enclosed space.

Conspiracy Kush has a surprisingly fast onset for an indica. Users may feel a pulsating pressure in the cheeks and temples, accompanied by a dizzying head high. Despite the initial rush, however, this is not an intensely cerebral strain. Mental effects soon give way to a spreading feeling of relaxation and a sleepy, hazy headspace. Users will feel their worries and tensions dissipate as their head and limbs become increasingly heavy. In a comfortable set and setting, Conspiracy Kush can lead to an intractable feeling of couchlock.

These restful effects have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Conspiracy Kush is an effective treatment for aches and pains -- both incidental, as triggered by injury or exercise; and chronic, caused by long-term conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Its calming effects can be helpful in treating some symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It has also been known to relieve headaches and migraines. In large enough doses, Conspiracy Kush is a potent natural remedy for insomnia. Undesirable side effects include dry mouth and red eyes. Due to this strain’s limited stimulation of the mind, paranoia and anxiety are not commonly reported.

TGA Subcool sells seeds of Conspiracy Kush for those interested in growing the strain. It can be cultivated outdoors or indoors. Outdoor growing requires partial humidity and consistent daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoors, the strain’s squat and bushy stature -- typical of other indica varieties -- is easily maintained by steady pruning and bending of tender stems early in the vegetative stage. Growers who intend to bring out Conspiracy Kush’s multicolored potential should artificially “shock” the plants by exposing them to colder than average temperatures just before flowering. This strain flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a low to medium yield of flowers. It’s also a very pungent variety -- growers should invest in odor control measures like carbon filters or exhaust fans for discretion’s sake.

Post-harvest, growers should take the time to properly cure their flowers. This two-stage process involves first hanging the buds upside down for 7 to 10 days; ambient humidity should be 50% and the temperature about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once stems can easily snap off of the flowers, seal the dried buds in airtight jars in ambient humidity of 60-65% and a consistent temperature around 70 degrees. After they’re jarred, buds should be checked at least daily to ensure that they haven’t developed mold.

Despite its name, Conspiracy Kush is not likely to leave you trolling Breitbart and Infowars for ridiculous conspiracy theories. Instead, it’ll put you into a thorough and long-lasting body melt. Don’t smoke this strain if you plan on getting anything done -- it’s best enjoyed after dark, either alone or with some trusted companions. Like Heroes of the Farm’s other tasty hybrid Marionberry Kush, Conspiracy Kush is a potent, sleepy addition to the Kush family.