Galactica OG is mostly indica hybrid with roots in Southern California. Grown by Palomar Craft Cannabis, who have also created strains like Electric Lemonade, Galactica OG is a combination of Jedi Kush and Saturn OG. It imparts a dynamic, multi-layered high and a deeply pungent aroma. This strain’s THC content has been measured at between 19% and 25%.

Flowers of Galactica OG stand out thanks to a larger than average size and a solid, roughly spherical shape. These chunky globes have a dense, indica-inflected structure, with short, broad leaves that curl tightly inward toward their central stems. These leaves themselves are a vivid shade of spring green, with occasional flashes of blue and purple; these latter hues come about when the plant’s anthocyanin pigments are stimulated by cold weather during cultivation. Finally, bright orange pistils and translucent, resinous trichomes make these colorful buds even more eye-catching.

An initial inspection of Galactica OG’s buds will pick up on a mostly sour, skunky aroma that can carry for quite a distance. A closer whiff may detect some hints of fresh orange as well. When flowers are broken apart or ground up, Galactica OG’s Kush lineage becomes obvious thanks to a peppery, hashy odor. Burning these buds gives off an acrid smoke that’s liable to sting the palate and sinuses. On the exhale, though, this heavy smoke tastes like a citrus-flavored tea.

Although it can take several minutes to arrive, Galactica OG’s high eventually hits with full force. After they’ve recovered from any coughing fits, smokers may begin to feel a heavy sensation in the head, marked by a feeling of pressure around the eyes and temples and some flushing in the cheeks. Eventually, these tics subside, leaving the user in an elevated mental state. Thoughts may seem to take on a new gravity, leading smokers to focus on topics that might not otherwise interest them. Similarly, ideas may bounce around in a kind of free association, facilitating free-flowing conversation as well as fruitful brainstorming sessions. For some, Galactica OG’s mental properties can manifest in a kind of sensory distortion, leading to trippy phenomena like hyper-focused vision or a sense of time passing more slowly. Consumers who enjoy these psychedelic effects can maximize them with atmospheric movies or music.

Within about an hour -- or more quickly, if dosage is increased -- Galactica OG’s physical properties may become harder to ignore. A shudder of relaxation that starts at the base of the neck may start to roll outward through the core and limbs. Smokers who are engaged in any kind of physical labor may suddenly feel weighed down and sluggish. Those who are already lounging in comfortable surroundings, meanwhile, can easily succumb to couchlock. At this stage of the high, Galactic OG is recommended for undemanding pursuits like playing board games or watching TV. Because of its slow decrescendo in energy, Galactica OG is recommended for late afternoon or evening consumption, when it can be properly appreciated.

Galactica OG’s broad range of effects gives it several uses for medical cannabis patients. For one, its ability to induce focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to zone in on single tasks. Additionally, its tendency to improve mood may temporarily shut out the difficult symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Physically speaking, Galactica OG can take the sting out of body pain, whether due to temporary inflammation or to chronic conditions like arthritis or lupus. In the right set and setting, this sedative bud may even pull insomniacs down into a deep and fulfilling sleep. However, because it comes with some risk of fast-paced, obsessive thinking, Galactica OG may not be the best option for patients who are inexperienced with THC or who are prone to paranoia.

Palomar has not made seeds of Galactica OG available for purchase online. Instead, prospective home growers should source out mature, healthy plants of the strain in order to take clippings; these clippings can be propagated as genetically identical “clones” and can be grown indoors or in hot, humid outdoor climates. Gardeners who want to bring out Galactica OG’s purple highlights should expose their crops to cold (but not freezing!) nighttime temperatures shortly before flowering begins. Plants, which tend to be on the short, bushy side, reach flowering maturity within about 8 to 9 weeks.

A solid strain for kicking back after a long day or week at work, Galactica OG is a must-try for indica fans. Its high resin content also makes it potentially valuable in the production of hash and other THC concentrates.