Horchata is a hybrid creation by Meraki Gardens, named after the Greek word that signifies an action performed with soul and spirit. They are female-owned, family-operated, and have been growing cannabis out of Oregon since 2013. Horchata is a baby they made from crossing Jet Fuel Gelato and Mochi Gelato, which explodes in a unique flavor of sweetness, creaminess, and spice. It’s named for a sweet drink that originated in Mexico, made from soaked cinnamon sticks blended into water and thickened with milk, rice, and almonds. The Horchata strain takes that profile and extends it with notes of berries and spice. If you’re looking for something unique, you might want to partake of Horchata. Do it with a little meraki.

Horchata grows in incredibly dense lumps of nugs, colored like mint, peppered with wispy orange hairs and opaque amber crystals, milky and almost orange. The strain smells like pine and mint as you break the nugs apart; users report a sense of the outdoors and refreshing energy. As you grind the buds, you’ll be able to smell the vanilla coming through with a hint of gas. Your fingers will be coated in a sweet wax, though not as resiny as some strains.

GROWING TIPS: Meraki Gardens themselves describe airflow as the key factor in a successful crop of Horchata. Air circulation has to be high enough to prevent moisture from collecting and forming mildew as well as warding off pests. However, too harsh of a blow can cause plants to dry out, which stresses them out. You want to have a balance between maintaining perspiration but keeping stress low, like a gentle breeze on your face.

Horchata’s taste is sweet, creamy, and tinged with berries. The sugar of the strain combines with a hint of spices to provide a feeling of delicious, lifting calm. The effects are cerebral and refreshing, as Horchata makes a move on your headspace almost immediately. You’ll feel motivated, creative, and ready to get stuff done. This makes Horchata great for busy people who work from home and want to tackle a long to-do list.

At the same time, Horchata provides relief from pain, stress, and depression. Traumatic stress is another aspect of your weary world that a Horchata can go a long way to solving. If you’re looking for a strain that pairs perfectly with binge-watching your favorite shows, zoning out on the couch, or getting your backed-up to-do list done, Horchata may be your drink of choice in floral form.