Megalodon is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain named for a prehistoric species of shark -- but there’s nothing extinct about this strain’s sky-high potency. It is a cross between three strains that produce notoriously high amounts of resin: White Widow, Snow White, and Great White Shark. The end product is a trippy, well-balanced smoke that’s right at home in a wide variety of settings. Its THC content has been measured at between 20% and 23% THC.

Megalodon is marked by impressively large flowers. They are almost spherical in shape and adhere in a dense, tightly-packed bud structure. The tightly-coiled leaves are a bright shade of lime green and are threaded through with hairy golden-brown pistils. As might be expected of a strain descended from such high resin producers, Megalodon also has a dewy silver sheen as a result f its coating of translucent white trichomes. These incredibly sticky flowers are best broken up with a high-quality grinder and will leave behind a dusting of kief on any surfaces they touch.

Usually a mild vegetal smell is a sign of poor curing techniques, but in Megalodon’s case, a grassy aroma is part and parcel of the strain’s genetics. This mellow scent is accented by some sharp, skunky notes. Grinding up or breaking up the buds yields a bit more character, with some notes of pepper and incense. When combusted, Megalodon gives off a smooth smoke. It leaves behind a nondescriptly herbal and vaguely skunky taste on the exhale. Some of this strain’s lack of pungency may be due to its high volume of trichomes; many varieties with a particularly high THC index (like The White, for example) may lack the rich mix of terpenes that contributes to a full-bodied and lasting flavor.

Megalodon has a slow, creeping high that may require as much as 15 minutes to ramp up to its full effects. At first, smokers may feel a constricting pressure around the eyes and temples, accompanied by a slow tightening as their faces turn upwards into smiles. As they grow accustomed to these sensations, they’ll detect a newfound clarity of thought. Megalodon may bring about an exacting cerebral energy that is perfectly suited to situations involving problem solving or creative thinking. Thoughts may jump from one to another, making this a strain that is also excellent for conversing or socializing. Eventually, Megalodon’s indica side reveals itself: smokers may opt for the most comfortable surroundings possible as they feel their tensions dissipate. A trippy sense of time dilation may also become evident, with minutes seeming to pass much more slowly than before. That said, it is unlikely to put any but the most seasoned cannabis veterans to sleep. For this reason, Megalodon is perhaps best enjoyed in the early evening, when users can enjoy its full range of effects, tapering from initial energy down to stoney, full-body relaxation.

Megalodon may also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its early cerebral edge can have beneficial, uplifting effects for those suffering under stress or depression. This mentally-focused energy can also be a boon to patients with attention deficit disorders, helping them to sustain focus on a single task. Megalodon’s more sedative indica properties can also relieve deep-seated aches and pains and can take care of headaches and even migraines. Because the feeling of “mind race” associated with its onset can lead users to feel out of control, Megalodon may not be an ideal choice for those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Megalodon have not yet been made available for commercial sale. As such, prospective growers will need to obtain cuttings from mature plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Although there is limited information on ideal cultivation practices for this particular strain, it can be grown indoors or, in hot and semi-humid climates, outdoors. We also know that Megalodon’s sativa forebears can reach unmanageable heights during their flowering stages; those growing strain indoors should prune and trim its branches early in the vegetative stage in order to tame it.

Megalodon’s versatility and potency make it great for anything from taking an extended sunny hike to cleaning the house on a rainy day. It’s sure to keep you revving along with its mammoth-sized psychoactivity.