Grand Poobah is a strain that commands attention with its multicolored flowers and complex aroma. A cross between hybrid favorite Bubba Kush and flavor-engineered Purple Mayhem, this bud is the brainchild of prolific growing operation NorStar Genetics. This indica-dominant hybrid has a THC content measured at between 16% and 22%.

Flowers of Grand Poobah have instant bag appeal. The medium to large buds maintain chunky, irregular shapes and cling together in a dense, indica-typical structure. Leaves are a dappled mix os mossy green with shades of purple; the latter hues come about when anthocyanin pigments in the strain’s genetics are activated by cold weather. Finally, these colorful flowers are made even more eye-catching with a sprinkling of icy, translucent trichomes.

Grand Poobah’s flowers give off a deep earthy, musky scent. A second whiff also picks up on some fruit, with distinct hints of grape. Grinding up these buds, meanwhile, yields a bit of hash and spice. When burnt, Grand Poobah gives off an uncommonly smooth and very palatable smoke. Ths smoke tastes fruity on the exhale, leaving behind a creamy mouthfeel. Notably, any discernible grape flavors are incidental to this strains purple coloring; the flowers’ hues are due to pigmentation, while its aroma is determined by separate chemical compounds called terpenes.

The high from Grand Poobah may not be immediately obvious and can take as long as 15 minutes after ingestion to manifest. Some early signs that the bud is doing its job are a slight feeling of constriction around the temples and low forehead and a flushing in the cheeks. Just as consumers may be accustomed to these odd tics, they’re also aware of a change in their patterns of thinking. Some ideas may suddenly take on a new gravity or dimension; thoughts can also take on a “racing”, freely-associative character. This mindest can set the mood for work on detailed, complicated tasks and problem-solving scenarios. It may also free up some creative energy for work on personal projects.

After an hour or so, a sense of physical calm starts to creep in, doing away with any tightly-held muscular tension and facilitating deep, easy breathing. This newfound relaxation isn’t necessarily enough to throw smokers into a stupor, but it may just outstrip any earlier energy or motivation to get through a detailed agenda. Instead, Grand Poobah’s even balance of physical and mental stimulation allows for some soothing daydreaming and can be a fun way to enjoy activities that involve complex coordination, like playing games or dancing. Under the right circumstances, Grand Poobah can even be a potent aphrodisiac. If dosage is increased, users should be wary of slipping into couchlock and possibly even dozing off. Because of its late-blooming sedation, this strain is recommended for consumption starting in the early evening, when it can be fully appreciated.

Grand Poobah’s recreational versatility translates into a variety of uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Its initial sense of focus can allow those with attention deficit disorders to sustain work on a single task. Its pervasive feeling of calm can also temporarily improve the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Grand Poobah may also soothe intense physical pain, while anti-inflammatory properties can take care of common irritations like nausea or cramps. In the right set and setting, this bud may even work against insomnia, lulling smokers to sleep. While Grand Poobah is not known to induce obsessive, paranoid thinking, its body high can be so strong as to be disorienting; as such, those who are prone to panic should consume this strain with caution.

Seeds of Grand Poobah are available for sale online. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants tends to grow short and bushy and may require occasional pruning. Flowering typically happens within 8 weeks when the strain is grown indoors; those looking to bring out the buds’ deep purple hues should expose their crops to colder than average temperatures just before flowering begins. Once mature, Grand Poobah offers a low yield of about 32 to 42 grams (or 1.1 to 1.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of greenery.

Grand Poobah is a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. Its deep, intense aroma makes it worth seeking out by terpene connoisseurs.