Glad Max is an upbeat hybrid with an even balance between indica and sativa effects. Descended from the flavor-focused Caramelicious, it was devised by Arizona-based growers Monarch Wellness. With a long-lasting high and a delicious and memorable flavor, it’s an excellent all-purpose smoke for indica and sativa lovers alike.

Although their genetics are mixed, flowers of Glad Max have a decidedly sativa influence. The medium to large buds adhere in chunky, rounded shapes that look something like bullets. The leaves, which are coiled tightly inward toward their central stems, are a bright lime green and are twisted through with curly brown pistils. Finally, translucent amber trichomes coat these nuggets inside and out, giving them a somewhat caramel-colored hue and possibly lending the strain its name.

Glad Max’s flowers have a primarily earthy scent, with suggestions of soil and dried leaves. There’s also an intensely sweet undertone bordering on skunky, similar to cotton candy. Grinding up or breaking apart the buds, meanwhile, releases some spicy, peppery notes, possibly due to the influence of grandparent strain Afghan Kush. Although its smoke tastes a bit acrid and harsh, Glad Max goes down very smoothly when combusted in a pipe or a joint. This smoke has some sweet and nutty flavors on the exhale.

It doesn’t take long before Glad Max’s high starts to emerge. Within just a few minutes of toking, users may feel lightheaded or may notice that their pulse has quickened at the temples and around the lower forehead. This slight tic is followed up by a subtle stimulation of the user’s thinking; some ideas or concepts may suddenly absorb their attention, leading to chattiness for some or long periods of silence for others. Glad Max’s heady effects don’t last very long, however, and the strain shouldn’t be counted on as a way to boost motivation or chase a surge in productivity. Instead, this bud is well-suited to kicking back and daydreaming or enjoying rambling conversation with friends.

Indeed, that may be all you want to do under this bud’s influence, as Glad Max’s high begins to transform into a more embodied experience. Let your shoulders relax and your muscles un-clench as the strain sends waves of relaxation radiating out through your core. This pervasive sense of calm can help to distract from any prior stresses or concerns. Thanks to its unique blend of mental and physical effects, during its latter phase, Glad Max can be a great way to enjoy pursuits that require complex, full-body coordination like exercising, gaming, or even sex. Note, however, that increased consumption can weigh you down if you’re sitting and can strip away energy for anything other than binge-watching or snacking. Because of its gradual dip into mellow relaxation, Glad Max is recommended for consumption during the late afternoon or evening.

Glad Max’s versatile properties mean that it’s useful for some medical cannabis patients as well. Its mood-boosting qualities may help to temporarily improve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. It can also soothe physical pain, serving as an analgesic for everything from mild inflammations like headaches to chronic, condition-related discomfort. In a sufficiently relaxed set and setting, Glad Max can even help lull smokers into a refreshing sleep, making it an appealing antidote to insomnia. Although the strain’s cerebral qualities are relatively mild and unlikely to trigger paranoia, those who are prone to panic should consume Glad Max with some caution.

Seeds of Glad Max have not yet been made commercially available. As rid such, those looking to grow the hybrid at home should find mature, healthy plants of the strain from which to take clippings. These clippings can be fostered as clones, which can thrive indoors or outdoors in a hot and semi-humid climate. Although there is little information available on best practices specific to growing Glad Max, the strain’s indica-looking flowers suggest that its plants grow short and compact with strong lateral branching. It may flower anywhere from 8 to 9 weeks.

Decidedly less manic than Mad Max, Glad Max confers holistic, well-balanced energy. Its earthy and sweet flavor may also be of interest to terpene connoisseurs.