Lake of Fire is an evenly-balanced hybrid created by Red Eyed Genetics. The breeders, who have also given us tasty strains like Blueberry Ice Cream, created Lake of Fire as a cross between famed indica Gorilla Glue #4 and Nirvana-themed Kobain Kush. It might have been named after the Meat Puppets song Lake of Fire, or Nirvana famous cover of it. This pungent bud comes with a THC content measured at between 15% and 20%.

This dramatically-named strain has similarly attention-grabbing flowers. When trimmed, the impressively large buds adhere in chunky, irregular shapes. They appear to have a hybridized internal structure, with a dense core and leaves that flare out in a rugged manner at their edges. The leaves themselves are a deep mossy green and are wound through with curly brown and orange pistils. A thorough coating of frosty white trichomes finishes off these massive green nuggets.

Lake of Fire has a robust, earthy aroma that may conjure images of its birthplace in the Pacific Northwest. Its initial impression is that of pine needles mixed with some damp leaves or soil. A second whiff may also pick up on some harsh fumes of diesel. Grinding up or pulling apart these flowers yields a hashy, spicy kick that may be due to the Kush influence in parent strain Kobain Kush’s background. When the strain is burnt, it gives off a rich smoke that goes down smoothly and easily. On the exhale, this smoke has a piney flavor tinged with a bit of gasoline.

Lake of Fire’s high sets in shortly after its heavy smoke is consumed, creating a kind of head rush for the user that results in odd sensations like an increase in salivation or a pulsing in the temples. Eventually, these strange tics evolve into a subtle change in patterns of thinking. The smoker’s internal monologue may seem to take on a new intensity or significance. This can result in free-flowing conversation for those in buzzy social settings; alternatively, it may enable productive work on complicated and detailed tasks. In some settings, Lake of Fire’s mental stimulation may manifest as a kind of sensory distortion in which mild visual and auditory hallucinations can occur, including a flattening of depth perspective. Those who enjoy these psychedelic properties can amplify them with a trippy movie or a moody playlist.

After some time, though, the strain’s potent indica root show themselves. Consumers may feel that their eyelids and limbs are weighed down in equal measure and may feel less inclined to pursue physical activity. As relaxation takes over, users may find themselves free of annoying muscular tension and able to breathe more deeply and easily. At this point, Lake of Fire is better suited to lounging around at home than to work on any complicated projects. Although this bud may not be as sedative as Gorilla Glue on a moderate dosage, increased intake may indeed result in pleasantly immobilized happiness on the couch. Because of its slow decline into sleepiness, Lake of Fire is recommended for afternoon or evening consumption when it can be fully savored.

Thanks to its wide-ranging effects, Lake of Fire can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. Its early feelings of cerebral focus can be a concentration aid for those with attention deficit disorders. Meanwhile, its ability to regulate mood may provide temporary relief for those suffering from depression or stress. The strain’s physical benefits include relief from pain, whether it’s serious and chronic, as in the case of lupus or cancer, or due to common inflammations like headaches and cramps. In the right est and setting, this potent strain may even lull insomniacs to sleep. Because its early mindfulness can come with some recursive and obsessive cycles of thinking, Lake of Fire is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Although Redeyed Genetics has previously made seeds of Lake of Fire available online, they do not appear to be regularly stocked. Instead, prospective growers should use clippings to propagate identical “clones.” These can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success depends on a hot, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants can grow rather tall, and indoor gardeners may need to occasionally trim back their crops to keep height manageable. Lake of Fire offers a high yield of flowers and reaches maturity within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

As intimidating as its name might be, Lake of Fire is a pleasant, even-handed strain. It’s a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike.