Move over, LA Confidential -- there’s a new top California-born strain in town. Hollywood OG (sometimes known as Hollywood Kush) in an indica-dominant hybrid with a mysterious backstory. The strain’s parentage and original breeders may be undocumented, but there’s no doubting this bud’s power to deliver therapeutic, well-balanced effects and a distinctively tangy aroma. This bud’s long-lasting properties are sure to impress cannabis novices and veterans alike. Hollywood OG’s THC content has been measured at between 13% and 20%.

Flowers of Hollywood OG stand out with their relatively large size and pointy, spadelike shapes. They appear to be more indica than sativa in structure, clinging together in compact, dense nuggets. The small leaves curl tightly inward toward their stems and are usually a mix of pale sea green and a yellow hue. Sometimes, phenotypes of Hollywood OG even boast shades of purple, a phenomenon that is due to anthocyanin pigments in the strain’s genetics being stimulated by cold weather during the growing process. Finally, these flowers are capped off with neon orange pistils and translucent white trichomes that give the flowers a very sticky texture.

When properly cured, the predominant scent that wafts up from buds of Hollywood OG is lemony fresh. There are also some mellow base notes of earth and musk. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking apart the flowers gives off an astringent chemical aroma, possibly suggesting that this bud is descended from a staple like Chemdawg. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Hollywood OG burns with a harsh smoke that tends to sting the palate and make the eyes water with its diesel fumes. On the exhale, through, it leaves behind a flowery, citrus-infected flavor.

Hollywood OG’s effects come on quickly, beginning as an increased pressure around the eyes and temples. Some smokers may also detect an increase in their salivation. Almost right away, the strain confers a high-powered cerebral mindset, making thoughts jumps around in a freely-associative manner. This can manifest as a newfound productivity, allowing some smokers to power through complex, work-related tasks. For others, it can spark flights of creative brainstorming. Users that are able to manage and adjust to this tuned-in way of thinking may find that Hollywood OG is a very social strain, setting the stage for good vibes and free-flowing conversations among friends or even strangers. As time wears on though, Hollywood OG reveals an indica sedation to match its powerful cerebral properties. Users who may have been standing might suddenly experience some dizziness or disorientation and may want to seek refuge on the closest comfortable couch. This bud’s relaxing effects travel in waves down the spine and radiate outward through the core, soothing any lingering muscular tension. Consumers can breathe deeply and easily as they sink into their surroundings, content to let the outside world melt into the background. In sufficiently high doses, Hollywood OG can even lull drowsy consumers to sleep. Because of its slow decrease in energy levels, this strain is better reserved for late afternoon or evening enjoyment.

Hollywood OG’s versatility may also be of use to some medical cannabis patients as well. The clarity and focus that come with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to focus on a single task. Its good vibes and uplifting mood may also temporarily relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, this strain can be a powerful analgesic for aches and pains, whether they’re temporary or deep seated, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. As noted, it can even work against insomnia, granting a deep and restful sleep. Because it may come with disorienting feelings of paranoia or mindrace, Hollywood OG is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low TC tolerance.

Seeds of this rare strain do not appear to be available for sale online. Home growers should obtain clippings from healthy plants in order to foster identical “clones.” While there is little information available on specific best practices for cultivating this strain, we know that like many hybrids, it can be grown indoors or outdoors in a humid, Mediterranean-like climate. The strain’s indica-tyle buds also suggest short and bushy crops that are easily accommodated indoors; they also imply a relatively short flowering time of less than 9 weeks. Those looking to bring out this bud’s eye-catching purple hues should briefly expose their plants to temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below average before flowering begins.

Although very popular in Arizona, Hollywood OG may be difficult to find elsewhere. If spotted on dispensary shelves, the potent strain should be snatched up by indica and sativa lovers alike.