G.O.A.T. is an acronym for the “greatest of all time” -- and that bold claim comes close to describes G.O.A.T.’s effects and reputation. The strain was created by Scapegoat Genetics, the breeders who gave us Don Draper and Critical Kush, and is a cross between Animal Pie and the very potent ACDC. With almost equal levels of THC and CBD, G.O.A.T. makes for a strain that is both recreationally and medically useful. The bud’s THC content has been measured at between 12% and 19%.

G.O.A.T.’s flowers are characterized by a medium to large sized and a pronounced conical shape. These tapered buds cling together in a dense, indica-typical formation -- the smell leaves curl compactly inward toward their central stems. The leaves themselves are a dark shade of olive green and are twisted through with yellow and rust colored hairs (which are actually pistils, botanical structures meant to catch pollen from flowering male plants). Finally, these superlative nugs are crowned with a frosting of trichomes, making them sticky and potent.

Luckily, G.O.A.T. does not take after strains like Hog or Dog Shit whose similarly bestial names refer to their offensive aromas. When properly cured, flowers of G.O.A.T. give off a dank, mellow scent redolent of damp earth. There’s also a sour and skunky odor lurking underneath. Grinding up these dense buds yields some herbal hints of eucalyptus and mint. When G.O.A.T. is combusted in a pipe or a joint, it gives off a smooth and easily palatable smoke. This smoke tastes herbal with traces of citrus on the exhale.

Surprisingly, given its mostly sativa roots, G.O.A.T.’s high comes on very gradually. At first, smoker's my feel a quickened pulse around the temples and eyes. Around the same time that these sensations take hold, G.O.A.T. begins to facilitate fast-paced, cerebral thinking. Smokers may notice their thoughts taking on a more intense character, stopping to dwell on certain concepts that may not otherwise strike them as interesting. Additionally, some may make surprising connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This focused, alert mindset makes G.O.A.T. a great strain to toke on before working on either complex, analytics tasks or more freewheeling creative projects. Unlike many sativa strains, though, this bud does not have a large surge in energy to accompany its mental stimulation. As their brains kick into high gear, smokers tend to become more relaxed, content to kick back as they begin to breathe more deeply and easily. As time passes, G.O.A.T.’s physically soothing effects intensify, pulverizing any muscular tension and making limbs and eyelids heavy in equal measure. As such, the hybrid can be a great way to set a comfortable vibe in intimate social settings with some likeminded friends. It can also be a powerful tool for solo introspection at the end of a long day or week. Because of its relatively consistent sedation, G.O.A.T. is recommended for enjoyment between late afternoon or evening when it can be fully savored.

G.O.A.T. also has several potential medical benefits, thanks to its high concentrations of both THC and CBD. Its pervasive sense of focus may help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on a single task. Meanwhile, its even-tempered effects can temporarily improve the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Physiologically speaking, G.O.A.T. is good at dulling physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to disease. Inflammatory discomfort like headaches and nausea may also be soothed by this strain’s body high. Although G.O.A.T. does not often trigger bouts of overly cerebral, paranoid thinking, patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance should consume the bud with caution.

Unfortunately, Scapegoat does not seem to have made seeds of G.O.A.T. available for sale online. Instead, prospective home growers should seek out clippings from a trusted source in order to grow “clones.” While there is little specific information available on best practices for cultivating this strain, we know that it can be grown indoors or outdoors in a humid, Mediterranean-like climate. We also know that its sativa-leaning genes suggest tall plants and a relatively long flowering time of at least 9 weeks.

A rare relaxing sativa, G.O.A.T. is a unique strain that should be snatched up if spotted in dispensaries. If you bring it out in social settings, be ready to share, as its pleasant aroma is likely to turn some heads.