Crown Royal is an indica-dominant hybrid that blends two colorful and fruity strains: it is a cross between Blueberry and Purple Kush, both indicas themselves. Not to be confused with the Canadian blended whiskey of a similar name, Crown Royale is a tasty and potent strain with impressive landrace genes -- its grandparent strains include landrace varietals from Thailand, Afghanistan, and the Hindu Kush. This strain’s potency has been tested at between a modest 12% and an impressive 22%.

Flowers of Crown Royale are marked by their large, solid appearance. The chunky and spherical buds have a typical indica structure, with resinous and tightly-packed nuggets. The curly, coiled leaves are a vibrant shade of spring green and are set off by a high volume of hairy orange pistils. Some phenotypes of the strain are also shot through with streaks of deep blue and purple -- these eye-catching colors are the result of pigments called anthocyanins (passed on from both parent strains) which, when agitated by cold weather in the growing process, expose violet shades lurking underneath the more conventional green leaves.

The influence of blueberry is obvious in Crown Royale’s predominantly tart and fruity aroma. There’s also a pleasant floral, herbal character that brightens up these tart scents. Breaking up or grinding the flowers gives off some spicy, peppery notes as well. When combusted, the strain burns with a rich, lung-expanding smoke that, despite its heaviness, will not necessarily induce coughing. On the exhale, Crown Royale leaves a pleasant, grape-tinged taste that lingers on the palate. Notably, this grape flavor is totally incidental to the flowers’ purple hues: the pigments that dictates  the leaves’ color do not have a corresponding effect on their scent.

Crown Royale can be described as a creeper of strain, often taking several minutes after users have savored its unique taste before its effects fully bloom. Users may notice an initial pressure around the eyes and temples. A subtle tingle then manifests in the neck and spine and gradually spreads out through the core and limbs in waves of relaxation. Although a full body high is this strain’s most obvious effect, the trace amounts of sativa in Crown Royale’s genes also contribute to some mental stimulation. That said, the character of these mental effects is more hazy and dreamy than analytical; users may run into some trouble if they’re expecting to plow through a to-do list with energy and motivation. Instead, Crown Royale can enhance passive aesthetic experiences -- it’s just the thing for visiting a museum or going to a midday movie. Furthermore, this strain’s singularly embodied sensation can be a surprising aphrodisiac. Smokers should prepare for a feeling of body melt that becomes insurmountable as the high wears on. As such, Crown Royale is definitely a strain best enjoyed at night, as its thorough sedation can easily lead to deep and fulfilling sleep.

Crown Royale has several uses for medical cannabis patients as well. It can numb the aches and pains associated with both temporary injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also soothe mild to moderate headaches and nausea. It may provoke hunger for those who have lost their appetites to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. Finally, as noted, Crown Royale can counteract even stubborn cases of insomnia.

Digital retailers Crop King Seeds have made seeds of Crown Royale available for sale online. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing requires a humid, Mediterranean-like climate with daytime temperature in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. Plants have the short and bushy silhouette characteristic of other indicas. Growers should regularly “top” their plants by trimming away any light-blocking fan leaves in order to encourage growth among each plant’s low-growing flowering nodes. Those looking to bring out this strain’s purple bag appeal should also expose the plants to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Crown Royale flowers within 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a moderate yield of about 46 grams (or 1.6 ounces) of flower for every square foot of plant.

Somewhat difficult to come by, Crown Royale is worth snatching up if you’re looking for an indica that will offer a dreamy, trippy experience while leaving your largely lucid and functional. It’s a great choice for either solo or social enjoyment.