Double your pleasure, double your fun -- Double Mint is an indica-dominant hybrid created by Spanish seed company Natural Genetics. This strain is a cross between GSC-derived Sin Mint Cookies and Mint Chocolate Chip. All that mint in the bud’s background brings a grassy, herbal flavor to complement its heavy, slow-moving high. Double Mint’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Double Mint’s flowers are on the smaller to medium side, clinging together in tight, tapered formations. As might be expected of their mostly indica lineage, they have a densely-packed internal structure and a solid core. The small, broad leaves are a medium, mossy green and are twisted through with yellowish and orange pistils. Finally, resinous white trichomes cover all inner and outer nooks and crannies of these knobby, pebbly flowers, making them very sticky to the touch.

Unsurprisingly, Double Mint gives off a fresh minty scent, undercut by some earthy, vegetal notes. A deeper whiff may also pick up on some tangy lemon notes. When Double Mint is broken apart by hand or in a grinder, meanwhile, it releases more of a sour, skunky tang. If it’s burnt, this strain yields a smooth, palatable smoke that’s easy to inhale. On the exhale, this smoke has mixes some citrus with astringent, menthol-like flavors.

The high from Double Mint can have a delayed onset and may not strike the consumer until 10 to 15 minutes after they’ve smoked. When it does arrive, the strain exerts a headrush, characterized by a constricted, headband-like feeling around the lower forehead; some users may also experience some fluishing in the cheeks. As these strange sensations die down, users are suspended in a kind of altered state -- certain external stimuli may seem more intense than usual, leading to weird phenomena like a flattening of the visual field of depth. Users can magnify these psychedelic effects with atmospheric media like a favorite album or a visually engaging movie. Beyond some sensory distortions, though, Double Mint tends not to do much in the way of mental stimulation, and those looking for a concentration aid may be disappointed. In buzzy social situations, however, this strain is right at home, enabling easy camaraderie and free-flowing conversation, even when shared with new acquaintances.

Within about an hour, Double Mint’s physical properties -- at first only subtle -- will become progressively stronger. Any knots of muscular tension may begin to give way under the weight of this bud’s relaxation. Users may find themselves melting into their immediate surroundings as the outside world begins to melt away. As such, this is one strain that’s best toked at home or in similarly familiar, comfortable surroundings. In its later phases, Double Mint is best suited to passive pursuits like binge watching or board games. Because of its slow decline in energy levels, this strain is recommended for late afternoon through evening use.

Double Mint’s mostly laidback properties give it a few different applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Its steady, mellow euphoria can be a temporary antidote to stress, depression, and anxiety. Physically speaking, the strain can also dull chronic, disease-related aches and pains. Anti-inflammatory effects, meanwhile, may take the sting out of common afflictions like headaches and cramps. In a totally relaxed set and setting, Double Mint may even set the stage for deep, restful sleep, making it a viable treatment for insomnia. Because it has a lower than average risk of paranoid, recursive thinking, Double Mint is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who are inexperienced with THC.

Seeds of Double Mint can be purchased directly through Natural Genetics’ site. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or outdoors in a hot, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants have a squat, bushy silhouette and may call for occasional pruning of their broad, light-blocking fan leaves. These crops flower within a very brief 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors. At harvest time, they offer a moderate yield of about 41 grams (or 1.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

A brisk, refreshing smoke with a slow-blooming high, Double Mint is worth seeking out by indica lovers. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day (or week) of work.