Although its name alone can’t elevate it to full legal status in the U.S., Legalized OG is nevertheless a strain worth trying. This bud, said to be a unique phenotype of OG Kush, has been cultivated by the Seattle-based growing operation Seattle’s Private Reserve. It leans toward the indica end of the spectrum and offer consumers an acrid, piney aroma. Legalized OG’s THC level has been measured at between 17% and 24%.

Legalized OG stands out with large and well-formed flowers that maintain a conical shape, tapering down from a broad base into a pointed tip. The buds have a compact indica structure at their core, but the leaves tend to twist loosely outward at their margins, giving an overall ragged appearance. The leaves themselves are a vivid shade of spring green and are twisted through with hairy, rust-colored pistils. Finally, a high volume of translucent white trichomes covers the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these dense buds, making them hard to break up by hand.

A whiff of Legalized OG’s cured flowers picks up on some earthiness, tinged with the sharp scent of pine. There’s also some skunky, sour odors that become apparent on a second inspection. Grinding up or breaking open the thick flowers, meanwhile, yields a nose-stinging hit of gasoline. When it’s burnt, Legalized OG can give off a harsh smok that can trigger coughing and watery eyes. On exhale, this thick smoke tastes earthy with some residual fumes of gasoline.

Although it’s mostly indica by nature, Legalized OG affects the consumer relatively quickly. Shortly after toking, smokers may be hit by some increased blood pressure in the head, characterized by a constricted feeling around the temples and some flush in the cheeks. Once these unfamiliar sensations abate, the user may be more aware of their altered mindset. Although Legalized OG isn’t likely to step up the intensity or complexity of a smoker’s thoughts, it can certainly mess with their sensory perception -- trippy phenomena like a flattening of visual depth and a feeling of time passing more slowly are commonly reported. Those looking to fully bask in this psychedelic space can add some enhancements like a moody playlist or a visually-engaging movie. Within an hour or so (and possibly sooner, if dosage is increased), Legalized OG’s indica properties begin to creep in and confer a soothing body high. Waves of relaxation may creep down from the neck and work their way through the core and limbs, undoing any knots of physical tension and facilitating deep and easy breathing. This calming vibe may be enough to lay any previously active smokers out flat on the closest couch. Eventually, the anchor that is this strain’s body high is liable to pin consumers in place and to banish all prior preoccupations and stressors into the background. Legalized OG can be a fun bud to share with some like-minded friends, but due to the strain’s sedative effects, you may want to make sure they’re down to the lounge for a good long while. Because of its two-stage high, Legalized OG is recommended for consumption between late afternoon and early evening.

Thanks to its versatility, Legalized OG also has a few applications for medical cannabis patients. Its mood-enhancing relaxation can temporarily take the edge off of symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. The strain may also reduce physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, may lessen the severity of common discomforts like headaches. Insufficiently relaxed circumstances, this potent bud may even work against insomniacs, lulling consumers to sleep. Because it isn’t known to bring about the kind of mind race associated with more sativa-inflected trains, Legalized OG is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Legalized OG are not available for sale online; instead, prospective growers should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants that can be grown as “clones.” The strain can be successfully cultivated indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation is dependent on a hot and semi-humid climate. Plants tend to grow short and bushy, requiring gardeners to occasionally trim any broad fan leaves that might obstruct the flowering of low-growing nodes. Legalized OG flowers within 8 to 9 week when grown indoors.

Thanks to its late-blooming relaxation, Legalized OG is a great way to wind down after work. If you’re toking in public, be warned that this can be a very pungent bud and might just attract the wrong kind of attention without some precautions.