Game Changer is an indica-dominant hybrid that offers as much potency as it does bag appeal. A cross between two complex strains, Purple Dragon and a Thai landrace variety called Green Thai, Game Changer has inherited its parent strains’ visual and olfactory appeal. With eye-catching flowers and a rich, surprising aroma, Game Changer’s dynamic, well-balanced high is icing on the cake. This strain’s psychoactivity has been measured at between 18% and a whopping 29%.

Game Changer’s flowers impress right away with medium to large-sized nuggets that adhere in a dense, indica-typical bud structure. These buds tend to have an elongated, almost cylindrical shape, like miniature cypress trees. The tightly-packed leaves are a bright shade of spring green and are threaded through with hairy orange pistils. More often than not, phenotypes of the strain boast patches of purple and dark blue in their leaves; these hues are the result of pigments called anthocyanins in the strain’s genetics which become activated when cold weather sets in during the growing process. Finally, cloudy white trichomes cover the buds accounting for their psychoactivity and giving them a very resinous texture.

When properly cured, buds of Game Changer have a distinctly tropical aroma, with hints of berry and grape. Hanging out underneath is a light, vaguely floral scent. Some consumers also point to a cheesy, tangy funk, possibly passed on from Purple Dragon. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, this strain burns with a harsh, acrid smoke that may induce coughing. This smoke tastes floral and fruity on the exhale. Notably, any grape flavors are coincidental to the strain’s purple coloring -- while its color is determined by pigmentation, its taste is determined by different compounds called terpenes.

Game Changer offers a creeper of high that may take several minutes after smokers have finished toking to reveal its effects. Initial effects can be detected as a tingle that begins in the face and is soon evident in the core and extremities as well. This strange sensation blooms into full-body relaxation, inspiring many to take a load off in the closest comfortable surroundings. Game Changer’s high is notable in that its mental stimulation sets in around the same time as its physical relaxation. A cerebral, free-associative mindset takes hold and smokers may find their thoughts jumping from one to the next. This stimulation can lend itself to spirited conversation in social situations. It can also bring about creativity, making it good for brainstorming in preparation for open-ended, creative projects. As the high wears on or as dosage is increased, couchlock becomes increasingly likely. Any earlier cerebral energy becomes more spacey, making Game Changer a good way to enjoy trippy movies and TV or simply to spend a night in unwinding. Because of its taper down from stimulation into relaxation, this strain is recommended for use in the late afternoon to early evening.

When used in a medical context, this strain really is a game changer. Its mood elevating properties can help temporarily improve the symptoms of stress and depression. Its early sativa focus can be an aid to patients with attention deficit disorders. Meanwhile, Game Changer’s physical sedation may soothe aches and pains, whether they’re temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Patients who are prone to anxiety or who have a low tolerance for THC may want to consume this bud with caution, as its intense, recursive patterns of thinking can lead to paranoia.

No commercial breeders have claimed responsibility for creating Game Changer and none have made seeds available for sale online. As such, prospective growers must obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Game Changer has a somewhat hybridized growth pattern -- while its plants have a short and bushy indica silhouette, its sativa side demands a long flowering period of about 10 to 11 weeks. Growers who are looking to bring out the strain’s vibrant purple hues should expose their crops to cold (but not freezing) temperatures just before flowering begins.

With a powerful, long-lasting high and a complex flavor profile, Game Changer is a must-try for both indica and sativa lovers. It’s also a great choice for newcomers to cannabis cultivations, as its hardy plants are resistant to adverse growing conditions.