Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has inspired the names of cannabis strains Willy Wonka and Golden Ticket. Now Gobstopper joins the fanciful bunch. This well-balanced hybrid was created by Extreme Boutique Genetics, the Northern California-based breeders who have devised similarly inventive strains. Gobstopper is a cross between Extreme’s own Candied Diesel and sativa favorite Vortex. The result is a soothing blend of physical and cerebral effects, accented by a multilayered, sour-fruity flavor. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has measured this strain’s THC content at between 13% and 21%.

The bag appeal of Gobstopper’s flowers is evident right away. They set themselves apart with an irregular shape and large, chunky buds that adhere in the dense structure typically associated with indicas. The curling leaves are a pale shade of spring green and are shot through with vibrant orange pistils. Some phenotypes of this bud also show off shades of purple; these hues come about when pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genes are agitated by cold weather during the growing process. Finally, the already-colorful flowers are covered in translucent white trichomes that give them an icy, shiny appearance.

The fictional “everlasting” candies after which this strain is named are famous for gradually revealing different layers of flavor; Gobstopper’s complex aroma follows suit. The primary aroma of these flowers is citrus -- particularly, grapefruit. Closer inspection yields hints of berries and uber-sweet cotton candy. Despite its mostly sweet character, when combusted, this bud can give off a harsh, eye-stinging smoke. The smoke tastes like diesel on the exhale, with some lingering citric, acidic punch. Notably, despite its purple coloring, grape is one flavor that Gobstopper lacks; this is because the pigments that produce its occasional violet hues do not have a corresponding effect on the strain’s taste.

Gobstopper’s high hits quickly, exerting a pressure around the eyes and forehead. The ensuing effects could be described as mind-expanding -- smokers may feel more creative or may be more open to suggestion from others or from external stimuli. Some smokers may also detect some altered perception, and visual and auditory distortions are commonly reported. Rather than disorientation, though, Gobstopper’s high approaches euphoria; Extreme Boutique Genetics themselves have likened its uplifting effects to the elation that a child feels on Christmas morning. Much like it multilayered flavor profile, Gobstopper also has a multifaceted high. As time wears on or as dosage is increased, a strong, pervasive sense of physical relaxation sets in, setting the stage for users to mellow out with friends or to wind down alone. Although it’s unlikely to cause couchlock, the mental fog that creeps through on Gobstopper’s backend will probably render most smokers unable to complete any complex tasks. Because of its taper down from energetic stimulation to relaxation, Gobstopper is recommended for afternoon or evening use.

Gobstopper may also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its easygoing character can temporarily dull the symptoms of stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, it may also relieve deep-seated aches and pains, whether temporary or chronic. Anti-inflammatory effects can take care of lesser afflictions like headaches or nausea. Because its onset is associated with cerebral stimulation and potential mindrace, Gobstopper should be consumed with caution by patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Extreme Boutique Genetics has not made seeds of Gobstopper available for commercial sale. As such, prospective growers must obtain clippings of the strain from a trusted source in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” This hybrid can be grown indoors or outdoors in a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Those looking to bring out the flowers’ purple streaks should expose their crops to nighttime temperatures at least 10 to 15 degrees below average, just before flowering begins. Gobstopper flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and rewards patient growers with a higher than average yield.

Why settle for only two or three flavors in your small-batch strain? A true winner of a hybrid, Gobstopper offers several unique flavors and a therapeutic high to boot.