Herojuana (sometimes spelled Herijuana) is a mostly indica hybrid that delivers knockout physical sedation. It is crafted from two specialty strains: Petrolia Headstash, an Afghani-descended indica originally bred in Humboldt County, California, and a mysterious strain from Kentucky known simply as Killer New Haven. Originally created by Woodhorse Seeds, the breeders responsible for medical-grade strains like BC Chemo and Orange Chemo, Herojuana is a must-try for fans of heavy indicas. This strain’s THC has been measured at between 12% and a whopping 30%, making it certain to impress even veteran cannabis users.

Herojuana is marked by large, long flowers that taper down from a broad base into a fine-pointed tip. These visually-impressive buds have a characteristically indica structure, densely and solidly packed. Leaves are a mossy green and are threaded through with vibrant orange pistils. Phenotypes of this strain also frequently boast shades of purple, ranging from lavender to deep violet -- these colors come about when anthocyanin pigments are excited by colder than average weather during the growing process. A layer of trichomes covers the flowers’ inner and outer surfaces, making them particularly hard to break up without the use of a quality grinder.

Properly cured, Herojuana flowers have an unmitigated skunky funk, accented by only slight hints of fruit. Lying underneath are basenotes of hash and incense, while breaking open or grinding the bud yields some spice and sandalwood. When combusted, Herojuana burns with a harsh smoke that may sting the palate, triggering coughing or watery eyes. This thick smoke has a simultaneously fruity and spicy taste on the exhale, like an orange studded with cloves. Those smoking in public should beware that this is a very pungent strain; precautions should be taken in order to ensure discretion.

This strain offers what is best described as a creeper of a high: several minutes after enjoying Herojuana, smokers will feel a tingle of relaxation that spreads down from the neck through the core and limbs in gradually increasing waves. This relaxation, bordering on total numbness, becomes more and more thorough as the high wears on. As such, anyone enjoying this bud should not plan on having a busy and productive high. Herojuana offers little to no mental stimulation -- on the contrary, smokers are likely to become cloudy and dopey, albeit totally content. Instead, this strain is great for zoning out after a long day and listening to some slow, atmospheric music. If you do have to move after smoking Herojuana, prepare for the bizarre sensation of wading through peanut butter. As dosage is increased, users are even more likely to become incapacitated and horizontal. Eventually, this sedation beckons smokers to sleep with its smooth soothing body high. Clearly, Herojuana is better suited to mellow nighttime than to morning or afternoon use.

Herojuana’s thick, almost narcotic effects can also have many applications for medical cannabis patients. It’s near-miracle for pain relief, working to relieve both temporary and chronic aches and pains. Anti-inflammatory properties may take care of more minor irritations like headaches and indigestion. Furthermore, this strain can provoke acute hunger, making it a great supplement for patients who have lost their hunger to harsh medications or treatments like chemotherapy. As noted, Herojuana can also be an antidote to insomnia. Because it isn’t likely to bring about paranoid patterns of thinking, the strain is a good choice for those who are prone to panic or anxiety.

Fortunately, several companies have made seeds of Herojuana available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Those looking to bring out the bud’s full purple bag appeal should briefly expose their plants to cold (but not freezing) temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Herojuana flowers within 7 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers growers as much as 46 grams (or 1.6 ounces) of flower per square foot. Finally, as much as this bud is pungent when burnt, it’s just as stinky when growing; those looking to keep their indoor grow operations under wraps should invest in odor control measures like exhaust fans.

Herojuana has made a name for itself in the pantheon of potent indicas. It’s even yielded the potent derivative Orange Herijuana, bred from Orange Creamsicle. As enjoyable solo as it is when shared with friends, this hybrid is a sure path to heavy sedation.