Emerald OG is an indica-dominant hybrid with a thoroughly relaxing high. This strain comes from the offspring of Fire OG and Emerald Diesel that was then backcrossed with another male Fire OG plant. Created by a collective known as the California Breeders Assoc, Emerald OG has a mild and fruity flavor profile that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Emerald OG’s potency has been measured at between 17% and an impressive 22%.

Emerald OG sets itself apart with thick, dense buds that have a tapered, almost bullet-like shape. The tightly-curled leaves are a bright shade of spring green and have a high volume of rust-colored hairs -- which are actually pistils, structures intended to catch pollen from male fertilizing plants. Some phenotypes of this strain also show off flashes of purple in their leaves. These latter hues come about when pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genes are agitated by colder than average weather during the growing process; the mechanism is similar to the changing of foliage in autumn due to depleted chlorophyll levels. Cloudy white trichomes blanket these already-colorful flowers, giving them a slightly silver sheen. Trichomes also make this strain very sticky and difficult to break up without a grinder.

Despite the OG Kush in Emerald OG’s background, it is surprisingly devoid of dank, skunky odors. When properly cured, the flowers have a fresh floral aroma, accented by a hint of sweet fruit. Getting in close as buds are ground up will reveal more of the earthy, musky character more often associated with the Kush family. When combusted, Emerald OG burns with a smooth (albeit rich and lung-expanding) smoke. On exhale, it leaves behind the tangy taste of citrus mixed with some notes of damp soil.

Emerald OG’s high creeps up slowly. Although it may go unnoticed at first, eventually, it creates a feeling of warmth that spreads down from the neck and through the core. Smokers may find that they’re able to breathe more deeply and easily at the same time as their stresses and tensions slowly dissipate. Even though Emerald OG allows users to bend this relaxing high to their will and remain active and mobile, they may be more comfortable lounging and passively engaging with their surroundings. If they opt for remaining horizontal, consumers may still be able to converse and and think logically (if they so desire). As dosage is increased, this strain can bring about an intractable couch-lock that serves as the perfect back group for daydreaming or working on creative projects For these reasons, Emerald OG is perhaps best enjoyed in the evening or at night. Furthermore, because of its slow onset, smokers may want to wait a while before upping their consumption.

Emerald OG’s sedation has benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. It can numb aches and pains, whether they’re incidental as due to injury or chronic as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. This strain also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe headaches or upset stomachs. Psychologically speaking, it may offers some temporary relief from the acute symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Because it does not often lead to a disorienting feeling of mind race, Emerald OG may be a good choice for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

The California Breeders Association sells seeds of Emerald OG online. Although there is little information available on ideal cultivation practices, we do know that it can be grown indoors or out -- although successful outdoor growing calls for a humid, Mediterranean-like climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. This strain may also grow tall, especially during its flowering stage, and should be trained early on through pruning and trimming to fit in smaller indoor spaces. Furthermore, growers looking to bring out Emerald OG’s eye-catching purple hues should expose plants to cold (but not freezing) temperatures late in the vegetative stage. For an indica, this strain has a particularly long flowering period -- it is ready for harvest in late October when grown outdoors.

Although it may not whisk you off to the land of Oz, Emerald OG is sure to take the edge off of a stressful day. It’s as fun when you’re cozy at home as it is when you’re out in comfortable and familiar surroundings.