Not all cannabis enthusiasts are nature lovers, but a few tokes of Earth OG could turn around any holdouts. Created by Apothecary Genetics, the breeders who gave us Grape Ape and Platinum OG, this well-balanced hybrid combined pungent Sour Diesel with resinous Ghost OG. The result is an exceptionally dank, musky strain that offers a memorable combination of stimulation and relaxation. Unlike some more sativa-dominant hybrids, Earth OG tends to keep its consumers centered, with both feet on the ground, even as their minds float away to other planets. Earth OG’s THC has been measured at between 15% and 22%.

As potent as this strain is, its flowers tend to be visually unimpressive. These buds are on the small size, clinging together in a clustered, popcorn-like formation. The leaves curl inward in the dense, tight bud structure usually associated with indica varieties. These leaves are a pale shade of spring green and are twisted through with dark orange to brown pistils. Sometimes, phenotypes of Earth OG express purple hues, ranging from lavender to deep indigo; these surprising colors are the result of anthocyanin pigments, which are activated by colder than average temperatures during the growth process. Finally, a thick coat of translucent white trichomes give these already-colorful buds a slightly icy sheen.

Flowers of Earth OG can smell like taking a long walk in the woods, with rich notes of soil and wood. On closer inspection, there are some bright hints of lemon hanging underneath. Meanwhile, grinding up Earth OG’s dense flowers yields a hint of pepper and spice. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, this strain burns with a harsh smoke that can tickle the palate and induce coughing. On the exhale, this strain leaves behind the taste of diesel with a bit of wood.

Earth OG’s high takes hold quickly. Smokers can quickly detect an uptick in emotional well-being. At the same time, a tingly feeling of relaxation spreads down from the neck through the core and limbs. Thoughts can take on a fast-paced, cerebral quality, as concepts and ideas jump from one to the next in free association. In the right set and setting, this head rush is balanced out by Earth OG’s indica side, which keeps tokers on an even keel. The high can be spent however the user desires. It can aid protracted work of any kind, mental or physical. Alternatively, it may trigger a calm, stationary mindset, helping smokers to kick back and indulge in some introspection. This bud can usually illuminate a boring agenda or spice up a weak party. At higher doses, Earth OG’s physical sedation can turn a corner into couch-lock, forcing many users to kick back and melt into their surroundings. The strain is best enjoyed during the late afternoon or early evening, when its taper down from energy into relaxation can be fully savored.

Earth OG’s wide-reaching effects may also be of use to medical cannabis patients. Its mood-elevating properties can temporarily improve the harsh symptoms of stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, its numbing properties can relieve deep-seated aches and pains, whether they’re temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also soothe everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. In large enough amounts, Earth OG can even counteract insomnia, lulling smokers into a deep, restful sleep. Patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC should consume this potentially intense strain with caution.

Fortunately for home growers, Apothecary Genetics has made seeds of Earth OG available for sale online. Once obtained, it can successfully be grown indoors or outdoors in a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Growers looking to bring out the bud’s eye-catching purple hues should expose their crops to nighttime temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees below average. Earthy OG flowers within 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in early October when grown outdoors. It offers only a modest yield of about 18 to 33 grams (or .6 to 1.1 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

A strain worthy of Mother Gaia herself, Earth OG deserves a spot in any hybrid lover’s stash. It’s as enjoyable when savored alone as it is when shared with friends.