Grape Kush is a well-balanced hybrid with striking colors and a memorable flavor to match. This bud’s bag appeal is in part due to its powerful genetics. Created by Cali Connection -- purveyors of the “Alien” line, which includes Alien OG and Sour Alien -- Grape Kush is a cross between the ubiquitous Pre-98 Bubba Kush and flavorful indica hybrid Romulan Grapefruit. Grape Kush’s high is a well-balanced combination of mental distortion and physical relaxation. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found samples of Grape Kush to have between 15% and a staggering 30% THC.

Grape Kush's flowers are more renowned for their color than for their size. When trimmed, these buds tend to be small to medium in size and hold a roughly spherical, popcorn-like shape. They have the dense formation usually associated with predominantly indica varieties. The leaves of these nuggets stand out, with almost equal proportions of green and deep purple, all twisted through with hairy, rust-colored pistils. These purple hues are the result of cold weather acting upon anthocyanin pigments in the bud’s genetics during the growing process. Finally, icy white trichomes cover the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these dense buds, accounting for their potent psychoactivity.

When properly cured, Grape Kush's flowers have the predominant aroma of tangy, sour grapes. Lingering underneath is a sweeter, berry-like character. Meanwhile, grinding up the solid buds yields the notes of dank earth and pine that make parent strain Bubba Kush so popular. When combusted, Grape Kush burns with a light, sweet smoke that is easily palatable to many consumers. This smoke has a simultaneously sweet and funky, sour taste on the exhale. Notably, the strong grape flavors associated with this strain are incidental to its purple coloring -- this is because the plant’s coloring is the result of pigments while its aroma is dictated by separate compounds called terpenes.

Grape Kush hits the smoker quickly, conferring a head-focused high that begins as a prickling, tingly sensation around the eyes and upper face. Thoughts may take on a cloudy, dreamy character and jump around in a freely-associative manner. This change in thinking is accompanied by a stimulation of the senses -- sights and sounds may take on strange new dimensions, making trippy music or movies particularly fun during this phase of the high. Shortly after smokers have acclimated to this altered mindset, a profoundly relaxing body high creeps in. Waves of relaxation spread down from the neck and radiate out through the core, prompting many to take a load off in the closest comfortable surroundings. Grape Kush's headrush is not particularly cerebral and therefore not very conducive to accomplishing tasks that require sustained concentration. As a result, productivity becomes even less likely as this strain’s deep, soothing body high sets in. Couch lock can be a real possibility as the high wears on, as can deep, intractable sleep. Grape Kush's holistic, full-body effects make it a great way to relax after a long day or week of work, especially when shared with a group of like-minded friends. Because of its sleepy vibes, this strain is best reserved for nighttime (or even bedtime) consumption.

Grape Kush can also have several benefits and applications for medical cannabis patients. Its mood-elevating properties can temporarily improve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress, depression, and even anxiety. Its physically numbing properties can also soothe deep, nerve-related aches and pains, as well as more minor annoyances like headaches and nausea. Finally, as noted, Grape Kush can be an effective antidote to difficult cases of insomnia. Because this strain is unlikely to bring about strong, recursive thinking and paranoia, it can be a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Fortunately, Cali Connection has made seeds of Grape Kush available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Per its breeders, Grape Kush can be a resilient plant that may withstand adverse conditions like unexpected temperature or moisture variations. This bud flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors. Finally, Grape Kush can be a particularly pungent grow that may require discreet indoor growers to invest in odor-control measures like carbon air filters.

Grape Kush's versatile effects make it a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. If you opt to share this flavorful bud, be sure to bring enough, as its unique aroma is sure to turn some heads at parties.