Bailey’s has made a name for itself as the premiere name in coffee-and-cream flavored intoxicants. Now, an indica stands to claim that title. Irish Cream was created by Mighty Irish Seeds, a group of breeders based in Ireland, a somewhat less common home base for cannabis cultivation. The strain is a back-cross of the company’s signature strain, Mighty Irish Hope. Besides a standout flavor, this bud offers a heavy, stony high that’s potent for newbies and veterans alike. Irish Cream’s THC content has been measured at between 14% and 20%.

Irish Cream impresses off the bat with medium to large buds. The flowers range in shape from roughly conical to almost spherical and, true to their indica lineage, adhere in a dense, solid bud structure. Irish Cream is also notable for its uniform coloring, appearing almost entirely forest green; there are relatively few hairy pistils winding their way through these coiled leaves and only a light dusting of trichomes.

When properly cured, flowers of Irish Cream smell both fruity and sweet, with some light floral notes. On closer inspection, there’s also a dank, funky odor lurking underneath -- perhaps unsurprising considering that parent strain Mighty Irish Hope has some Skunk in its lineage. Meanwhile, breaking or grinding up these dense buds yields some nutty aromas. When burnt in a joint or a pipe, Irish Cream gives off a smooth, pleasant smoke that carries nutty and coffee flavors on the exhale.

Irish Cream offers a creeper of a high, sometimes taking several minutes after users have savored its unique aroma to reveal its effects. Eventually, users may feel a weightiness that starts in the eyelids and then spreads down slowly through the neck. Muscular tension may evaporate and deep breathing may happen more easily. In addition to a relaxed body, smokers typically also feel a relaxation in their thoughts -- this strain’s vibes can eliminate the stress and aggravation of a long day of running the rat race. Many smokers may go so far as to shun outside stimuli, instead preferring to stretch out indoors as the pervasive feeling of body melt becomes stronger and stronger. Indeed, it may not take much for this bud to induce couchlock. Unfortunately for the conscientious smoker, Irish Cream is not prone to leave its users mentally acute; instead, this strain is better for enjoying down time with loved ones or for spacing out alone to some trippy music or films. In high enough doses, it can even lull consumers into a restful, intractable sleep. Despite its name, then, you may not want to pair this tasty bud with your morning coffee, as it’s liable to sap energy and motivation. Irish Cream is best suited to evening and nighttime consumption.

Medical cannabis patients may also find use in Irish Cream’s sedative effects. Its potent body melt can relieve deep-seated aches and pains, whether they’re temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. The strain’s anti-inflammatory effects may also soothe minor irritations like headaches or nausea. Psychologically speaking, Irish Cream can temporarily improve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress, depression, and even anxiety. As noted, it can also work against stubborn cases of insomnia. Because this strain is not likely to bring about paranoid cerebral thinking, it may be a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Fortunately for home growers, Mighty Irish Seeds has made seeds of Irish Cream available for sale online. The strain is a hardy grow that may be forgiving on newcomers to cultivation. It can be grown indoors or out, although success outdoors calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Irish Cream flowers within 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors. It offers a modest yield of about 37 to 42 grams (or 1.3 to 1.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

With a lasting, sedative high and a full-bodied flavor, Irish Cream may make you wish that every day was St. Patrick’s. Just be wary of pairing this already-heavy strain with a sleep-inducing pint of Guinness.