Kong is an indica-leaning hybrid with some serious knockout power. This strain is the brainchild of the originally South African breeder Holy Smoke Seeds as a cross between resinous White Russian and heavy indica Motavation. Users seek out Kong for its ability to soothe both body and mind, as well as its unique fruity and chemical bouquet. This bud also impresses with eye-catching, multicolored flowers. Kong’s THC content has been measured at between 12% and 20%.

With a name like Kong, you’d expect these flowers to be king-sized -- luckily, the strain delivers, with large, chunky buds that adhere in elongated, almost cylindrical formations. These nugs have a characteristically indica bud structure, thick and densely-packed. The leaves are a dark shade of forest green and are twisted through with rust-colored pistils. Sometimes, Kong’s flowers are patched with deep blue and purple hues; these surprising colors come about when pigments called anthocyanins in the strain’s genetics are activated by cold weather during the growing process. Finally, like King Kong himself, Kong is very hairy -- albeit in this case with fuzzy trichomes, making the buds particularly hard to break up without a quality grinder.

When properly cured, Kong’s flowers bloom with a bright, lemony scent. On closer inspection, there’s also a slightly dank, vegetal character lurking underneath. Grinding up or breaking open these buds releases some surprisingly spicy, hashy notes. When combusted, Kong burns with a smooth and easily palatable smoke that carries a citrus-tinged flavor on the exhale with some diesel fumes lingering on the palate.

Kong hits quickly for an indica, enveloping the smoker with a close, warming sensation and exerting some blood pressure around the eyes and temples. For some, the force of this strain’s bodily relaxation can be disorienting at first. Once acclimated, though, smokers are typically able to ease into the high with a calm mind. Progressively, waves of relaxation spread down from the neck radiating out through the core and limbs -- so much so that this powerful bud is liable to lay newbies out flat with its lazy vibes. Kong also comes with some mental distortion, but any thoughts it inspires tend to be more spacey than cerebral and analytical. Some smokers also report feelings of sensory distortion, including the uncanny feeling of time passing more quickly or extremely slowly. As Kong can provoke giggles for some, it can prove useful for bringing about camaraderie in laid-back social situations. As this high progresses or as dosage is increased, couch lock becomes more and more likely, even for more experienced users. Under the right circumstances, Kong may lull consumers into a deep and restful sleep. Because of its almost narcotic effects, this is a strain best reserved for evening or nighttime use.

Kong’s sedative effects may also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. It can dull deep aches and pains, whether they’re temporary or chronic. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also soothe irritations like indigestion and headaches. Psychologically speaking, Kong can temporarily take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress, depression, and anxiety. As noted, it can also counteract insomnia. Because this strain is unlikely to bring about the kind of obsessive thinking that leads to paranoia, it can be a good choice for those who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Fortunately, Holy Smoke has made seeds of Kong available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers should be sure to regularly “top” these squat and bushy crops by trimming away any broad fan leaves that can block light and air from reaching low-growing flowering nodes. Those looking to bring out Kong’s vibrant blue and purple potential should expose their plants to nighttime temperatures at least 10 to 15 degrees below average just before flowering begins. Kong is ready for harvest within 6 to 8 weeks when grown indoors.

Kong’s long-lasting sedation is a great excuse to spend a long rainy day indoors or a night on the couch. It deserves a spot in any heavy indica lover’s stash.