Mandarin Temple is not as infamous as Mandarin Cookies in terms of popularity and power, but Ethos Collective bred an underrated little powerhouse with it. Native to Colorado but gaining popularity elsewhere, Mandarin Temple combines the genetics of Mandarin Sunset with a cross between Temple Kush and Colin’s OG to bring a hashy flavor and citrus scent to this new, evenly balanced hybrid. If you’re looking for a sleep-inducing, stony high, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for an uplifting midday pick-me-up, Mandarin Temple is where it’s at.

With a THC average of 22.5%, Mandarin Temple would be a little rough on beginners. If you can take it though, the strain will help you get focused and motivated enough during the middle of your busy day to get more work done, talk with friends, and explore your city. It will basically double your happiness coefficient. This makes the strain great for social gatherings, dates, and workdays. Any remote workers out there looking for a focus booster should consider vacationing their brain at the Mandarin Temple.

The strain grows beautiful flowers, which are tall and multi-colored, with buds that range from light and dark green to vibrant patches of purple, with a healthy coat of crystal trichomes and bright orange hairs. The smell and taste of the strain favor notes of earth and pine, as well as an overtone of nuttiness. There’s also a fuel-y, almost ammonia-like flavor underneath. The terpenes responsible for this flavor include myrcene, which imparts tastes of honey, earth, and ammonia, humulene for an aftertaste of fuel, and limonene for sweetness. Additional flavors include herbs like mint and sage, which only add to the strain’s allure.

Mandarin Temple is not a very tall plant so growers with limited vertical space will appreciate it. With enough light, the strain is just as suited to indoor and outdoor growing conditions. Inside, it will take around 54 to 62 days to flower.

The most commonly reported effects are happiness, tingling, and creativity. Hunger is rarely reported, if ever, so don’t expect a classic stoner’s high. Additionally, a rapid heart rate is a common adverse effect, which is why anxiety-prone or novice users may want to try something lighter.

However, for those who hope to get active or intimate, hang out with friends, take on a creative task, or reduce feelings of pain, Mandarin Temple could rev you up at the same time it provides relief. Just make sure you’re experienced enough (or brave enough) to take it on.