Science fiction and fantasy have had a considerable influence on the naming and marketing of cannabis strains. Romulan, Deathstar, Skywalker, and Alien Kush have all become popular varieties -- and even if they don’t give you a new appreciation of the genre, will at least make you feel like an extraterrestrial being yourself. Now, indica-heavy hybrid Dr. Who will allow you to experience a special sort of time-travel. Named after the long-running BBC sci-fi series, Dr. Who is a potent cross between dynamic sativa Timewreck and flavorful indica Mad Scientist. It was created by Pacific Northwest-based breeders Homegrown Natural. This is a particularly potent strain, with a THC content that ranges from 20% to a whopping 30%.

Dr. Who typically has small to medium-sized buds that hold a dense and heavy structure, typical of indicas. It is distinguished by earthy green leaves that are shot through with a vibrant shade of purple. Almost all phenotypes of Dr. Who show these purple hues, which are the result of high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments stimulated by unusually cold weather during the growing process. Trichomes dust the surfaces of the flowers and are also visible on the insides of buds if they’re broken open -- in all, Dr. Who is very sticky when properly cured. The primary smell of this strain is dank and reminiscent of wet earth. There are also some traces of sour lemon and other tropical fruits lingering underneath. When combusted, the flowers have a harsh smoke which can induce heavy coughing and can sting the sinuses. On the exhale, this smoke has a notably sweet and tangy taste. Interestingly, not all phenotypes of Dr. Who will smell or taste like grape, as the pigments that dictate this strain’s color do not have an effect on its flavor.

Dr. Who has a high that mounts slowly and is eventually made obvious by a heaviness in the head. Users will also detect a sharpening of the senses -- sounds, smells, colors, and even tastes may seem more dynamic and intense. Appropriately enough for a strain named after a time-hopping humanoid, Dr. Who may also confer a strong sense of time dilation. Any changes in perception are more relaxing than energizing, in synch with Dr. Who’s mellow body buzz. As the high progresses, this relaxing stimulation of both body and mind can take any direction the user prefers -- it’s a great choice for embracing creativity, taking a long walk, or just having a rambling conversation with friends. Medically, Dr. Who has mostly physical applications. It’s a great way to melt away mild aches; it can even dull pain associated with serious diseases like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis. When consumed in large enough amounts, it can also be an effective treatment for insomnia. Side effects include dry mouth and heavy, droopy eyes -- although couchlock isn’t often reported, and this strain’s mellow character means that there’s a low risk of paranoia. Dr. Who’s high THC content makes it a potent strain for novices and experienced cannabis users alike.

Dr. Who can be grown from commercially-available seed. It can be successfully cultivated indoors or out. Outdoors, it has the advantage of being resistant to mildew, but requires consistent daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It flourishes indoors, where growing conditions can be more easily controlled. Characteristic of indica varieties, plants of Dr. Who tend to be short and bushy with wide lateral branches. When mature, it sports large buds which may require supports like stakes or dowels to keep them from drooping on their branches. In order to bring out this strain’s eye-catching purple and blue colors, growers should “shock” plants by exposing them to cold late in the vegetative stage. Dr. Who flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

Dr. Who’s balanced high and unique fruity-hashy taste make it a quality cross between two distinctive varieties. Its relaxing but clearheaded high can be a great addition to either social or solo settings. Its very high trichome production also makes it a great strain for producing hash and other THC concentrates. For a meta treat, pair this hybrid with an episode of Dr. Who itself -- but steer clear of anything involving those terrifying Weeping Angels.