Humboldt is an upbeat, buzzy strain with roots in Northern California’s fertile Humboldt County. Although its exact genetics and breeder aren’t documented, this bud may have a connection to an Afghani indica landrace. The strain’s mysterious background hasn’t stopped it from becoming popular around the world, though. Humboldt offers mostly heady, cerebral effects and a pleasantly floral flavor profile. Its THC content has been measured at between 16% and 25%.

Humboldt stands out right away with large, chunky flowers. These buds tend to have an irregular formation when trimmed, ranging from roughly spherical to spade-like. They have a tight, indica-type bud structure, with small leaves that spiral tightly inward toward their central core. The leaves themselves are a dark shade of forest green and are threaded through with brown pistils. Finally, a dense cover of white trichomes gives these flowers an icy appearance and makes them very sticky and hard to break up by hand.

On initial inspection, a sweet, herbal scent wafts up from cured buds of Humboldt. There’s also a distinct scent of orange hiding underneath that brightens up the overall impression. Meanwhile, grinding up the flowers release the hashy, spicy odor that gives some credence to the idea that this strain is descended from Afghani. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Humboldt gives off a very smooth and easily palatable smoke. This smoke tastes floral and citrus on the exhale.

Humboldt hits smokers right away with its powerful sativa effects. Not long after consumers have savored its pleasant smoke -- and maybe even before exhaling it -- Humboldt puts a concerted pressure on the temples and around the eyes. It also launches the smoker’s thoughts into a fast-paced analytical headspace that can spark a chain of free association. This sort of foods can aid concentration on complicated analytical tasks. It can also help to relieve the tedium of chores like cleaning the house or running errands. While the uninitiated may be caught off guard or disoriented by these fast-paced effects, those who are able to adjust can settle into its easygoing euphoria. Humboldt can be fun to share in social situations, facilitating easy conversation and camaraderie when shared with like-minded friends. As time passes or as the dosage is increased, Humboldt indica side begins to emerge, sending waves of tingly relaxation down the spine and outward through the core and limbs. While not necessarily couch-locking, this subtle body high can certainly kill any prior motivation; as such, those trying to use this strain for productive purposes should plan accordingly. Humboldt’s mostly energetic properties make it appropriate for use anytime between late morning and early afternoon.

Humboldt may also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its pervasive sensation of focus can be a boon to those with attention deficit disorders, while its easy euphoria can temporarily lift the fog of mild to moderate stress and depression. On the physical side, this strain may soothe aches and pains, whether they’re chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia or temporary, as due to injury. Because it is more likely than not to bring about an intensely cerebral mindset, Humboldt is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or anxiety or who have a low tolerance for HTC.

Seeds of Humboldt have been made available online through breeding collective CH9. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humboldt’s crops tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching; growers should regularly “top” their plants by trimming away any broad fan leaves that could prevent light and air from reaching any low-growing flowering nodes. Humboldt flowers within 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors.

A powerful and well-balanced bud, Humboldt is a great choice for sativa and indica lovers alike. Its complex aroma is reason alone to seek out this rare bud.