Gorilla Snacks is a well-balanced hybrid with roots in the Pacific NW. Created by Oregon-based growers Heroes of the Farm, this strain is a cross between the Scooby Snacks-derived Guinness and Gorilla Glue #4. With an earthy, almost gamey aroma and an exceptionally potent high, Gorilla Snacks stands to appeal to even longtime cannabis consumers. Its THC content has been measured at between 20% and an eye-popping 31%.

Gorilla Snacks is marked by medium-sized flowers that cling together in a tapered shape, somewhat like miniature pinecones. The structure of these buds hews more indica, with small, broad leaves that curl tightly inward to form a dense core. These leaves themselves are a pale shade of sage green and are shot through with vibrant yellow hairs -- which are actually pistils, botanical structures meant to catch pollen from flowering male plants. Finally, a thick coating of sticky, glassy trichomes covers all visible nooks and crannies of these buds.

The aroma drifting up from cured flowers of Gorilla Snacks is that of sharp and pungent pine. A deeper whiff may also detect some earthy notes of damp soil. When Gorilla Snack’s chunky buds are cracked apart or ground up, meanwhile, they can give off more of a spicy, peppery zing. Burning these flowers results in a sour, acrid smoke that may trigger watery eyes or a coughing fit for sensitive smokers. On the exhale, though, this harsh smoke may have a sweet, slightly skunky flavor.

Gorilla Snacks’ high takes effect quickly, striking users with buzzy, head-focused effects like a concerted pressure around the temples and lower forehead; some smokers also report flushing in the cheeks or an increase in salivation. Once these sensations dissolve, though, they may become aware of some distinct changes in perception. Thoughts may seem to move more quickly or may adopt a new intensity, allowing consumers to achieve some productivity on complex and analytical tasks. Additionally, ideas may bounce around in spontaneous free association, making Gorilla Snacks helpful for brainstorming or even for breaking the ice in social situations. In some circumstances, the strain may also unleash trippy sensory distortions like a feeling of time dilation or a flattening of visual depth.

Within an hour -- or even sooner, if dosage is increased -- Gorilla Snacks’ mental edge starts to give way to physical properties. A tingle of relaxation that begins at the nape of the neck may start to spread through the core and limbs. This soothing full-body stone can bring a relief from any points of muscular tension and may enable deep, restorative breathing. For those who have the good fortune to be lounging at home as this body high hits, Gorilla Snacks may bring full-on couchlock, rendering any activities other than binge watching fairly unlikely. Because of its decline into drowsiness, Gorilla Snacks is recommended for afternoon through evening consumption.

Gorilla Snacks’ versatile effects can be beneficial for medical cannabis patients as well. The feeling of mental acuity that comes with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to work on one thing at a time. Additionally, its mood-boosting effects can temporarily improve some tough symptoms of stress and depression. On the physical side of things, Gorilla Snacks’ numbing properties may put a damper on chronic, disease-related aches and pains. Its anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, may take the sting out of common discomforts like cramps or nausea. In a sufficiently relaxed set and setting, Gorilla Snacks can even be a viable treatment for insomnia, pulling users into a deep, restful sleep. Because its cerebral surge brings some risk of paranoia, this strain is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who are inexperienced with THC.

Seeds of Gorilla Snacks have not been cultivated for commercial sale. Instead, prospective home growers should seek out clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain; these clippings can be propagated as genetically identical “clones” and can be cultivated indoors or in hot, humid outdoor climates. Although there isn’t much information out there on best growing practices specific to this strain, its indica-inflected flowers suggest that plants grow short and squat with strong, sideways-growing branches; these dense buds also imply a short flowering time of between 8 to 9 weeks.

A great all-purpose smoke, Gorilla Snacks is as fun to toke alone as it is to share with friends. Be wary of the punch that this potent bud packs, though, before taking that third or fourth hit.