While cannabis is often said to impair short-term memory, this strain may throw you for a loop more than others. Memory Loss is a mostly sativa strain created by Archive Seed Bank, the same west coast breeders who have devised varieties like Golden Ticket. It is a cross between staple hybrid Amnesia Haze and Face Off OG. Smokers should be warned that this strain is not for the faint of heart or the low of tolerance: its potency has been measured at between an impressive 18% and a whopping 28% THC.

Memory Loss sets itself apart with medium to large flowers that have a distinctly conical shape, tapering from a broad base down to a pointed tip. Despite mostly sativa genetics, the buds cling together in a dense, indica-typical structure. The tightly-curled leaves are a mossy green and are threaded through with dark, rust-colored pistils. More often than not, phenotypes of this strain also have streaks of deep violet in their flowers; these striking hues come about when pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genes are stimulated by colder than average weather during the growing process. Finally, cloudy white trichomes coat the flowers’ inner and outer surfaces, giving these already-colorful buds a slightly white sheen.

When properly cured, Memory Loss has the predominant aroma of woodsy pine and cedar. Close inspection also reveals some hints of damp earth and musk -- these kushy notes are intensified as the bud is ground up or broken open. When combusted, Memory Loss burns with a smoke that can be harsh and acrid for some palates, stinging sinuses and inducing coughing. The smoke has both citrus and earthy flavors on the exhale.

Memory Loss takes hold quickly, revealing its effects before smokers have even finished coughing. The high initially manifests as a pressure around the eyes and temples; this tingle soon spreads down through the neck and core. Such physical sensations are soon accompanied by a feeling on mindrace, with thoughts jumping from one to the next in an unfettered patterns of free association -- this feeling may be disorienting for some. External stimuli can also provide distracting, with sights and sounds seeming more dynamic and interesting than they otherwise might. If users are able to sustain basic focus, Memory Loss can be a great way to enhance mundane activities like tidying up or doing dishes. And while creative juices might start flowing, don’t plan on executing any complex tasks that require intense concentration. In the right set and setting, this strain is euphoric and uplifting. In social situations, it’s sure to make users more talkative … but good luck keeping your train of thought on track. Memory Loss is an ideal, energetic wake-and-bake strain; if consumed at night, it’s liable to keep smokers wired and frantic.

Despite its foreboding name, Memory Loss can have many benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. Its ability to uplift mood can be beneficial in cases of mild to moderate stress and depression. Additionally, despite mostly sativa effects, many users also report that Memory Loss offers effective relief from deep-seated aches and pains. Anti-inflammatory properties may soothe more minor irritations like headaches and nausea. Because it can lead to some intense recursive thinking and introspection, Memory Loss is not recommended for users who are prone to panic and anxiety -- even if they have a high THC tolerance.

Archive has made seeds of Memory Loss available for sale through various online retailers. It can be grown indoors or out, although success outdoors calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Plants tend to grow tall, so those growing indoors should take care to train their crops with some early, aggressive pruning. Growers looking to bring out this bud’s colorful potential should also expose plants to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Memory Loss flowers within a long 10 weeks when grown indoors, but rewards patient gardeners with a high yield of bud.

A heavy hitter that’s great for some intense, mind-bending exploration, Memory Loss is an ideal choice for fans of strong sativas. The strain’s high trichome count also makes it valuable in the production of hash and other THC concentrates.