California may be better-known for produce like oranges and avocados than for bananas, but this indica-dominant strain stands to change that. Golden State Banana is a mix of fruity Banana Kush and Ghost OG and offers smokers a tropical flavor to complement its deep mental and physical buzz. Golden State Banana’s THC content has been measured at levels ranging from 15% to an insane 30%.

Golden State Banana’s flowers catch the eye right away with their impressive size. These large nugs hold together in a chunky, bullet-like formation and have a characteristically indica structure, with a dense core. The small, tightly-coiled leaves are a cross between mossy green and banana yellow and are wound through with curly orange pistils. Finally, a dewy blanket of amber-colored trichomes covers all visible surfaces of these buds.

When properly cured, Golden State Banana gives off a mildly fruity scent that carries a faint whiff of banana. Closer inspection may also detect some sweet and borderline skunky aromas. Grinding up these flowers, meanwhile, yields rich notes of pine and tobacco. When it’s combusted in a pipe or joint, Golden State Banana burns with a smooth and herbal-tasting smoke; this smoke tastes fruity with hints of citrus on the exhale.

As with many other indica-leaning strains, Golden State Banana can have a slow, progressively mounting high. As many as 15 minutes post-ingestion, consumers may start to feel head-focused effects like an increased pulse around the temples; stimulation of the salivary glands and some flushing in the cheeks are also commonly reported. As they adjust to these unfamiliar tics, though, smokers become privy to a newly activated mindset in which thoughts seem to take on a new intensity. This plugged-in way of thinking can facilitate buzzy, free-flowing conversation in social settings. In many cases, Golden State Banana’s mental effects can also take the form of sensory distortion, leading to phenomena like hyper-focused vision or amplification of any ambient sounds. Those who appreciate these psychedelic effects can crank them up by indulging in some spacey music or a visually compelling movie.

Within relatively short order, Golden State Banana introduces strong physical effects to round out this head high. Smokers may experience a growing sense of relief from any longstanding spots of muscular tension; they may also be able to breathe more deeply and easily. For those who are lucky enough to be lounging at home after smoking, Golden State Banana is liable to induce some heavy-duty couchlock, pinning users in place as any external stresses or preoccupations start to melt away. That said, Golden State Banana’s initial mental stimulation can persist, allowing for long bouts of daydreaming. Because of its gradual decline into drowsiness, this strain is recommended for evening or nighttime consumption.

Golden State Banana’s laidback vibe can be as valuable to medical cannabis patients as it is to recreational consumers. For one, this bud’s thoughtful properties may help those with attention deficit disorders to focus on single tasks. Its easygoing mood might also temporarily distract form the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. On the physical side of things, Golden State Banana may soothe aches and pains that are due to anything from mild inflammation to chronic conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. In totally relaxed conditions, this strain’s heavy body stone may even lull insomniacs to sleep. Because it comes with a relatively low risk of obsessive, recursive thinking, Golden State Banana is a good option for patients who have a low THC tolerance.

Unfortunately for home growers, seeds of Golden State Banana are not available for purchase online. Those looking to grow it at home may be able to obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain and then foster those clippings as “clones.” Plants can thrive in controlled indoor conditions or in humid outdoor climates with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Judging by this variety’s indica-inflected flowers, its plants may grow short and bushy and may call for occasional pruning of any obstructive, light-blocking fan leaves. The strain’s indica roots also imply a short flowering time of between 8 to 9 weeks.

A fruity, luxurious smoke, Golden State Banana makes an excellent indica dessert course. It’s a must-try for indica lovers.