Milky Way is an indica-dominant hybrid that’s perfectly suited to zoning out and gazing up at the stars. This strain was created by prolific New Zealand-based Kiwiseeds as a combination of popular hybrid Northern Lights and the pungent and potent Hash Plant. The bud has a surprisingly light and airy flavor profile and offers mostly relaxing, full-bodied effects. More of a luxurious evening smoke than a buzzy daytime treat, Milky Way’s potency has been measured at between 14% and 22%.

Milky Way is marked by small to medium-sized flowers that have a slightly tapered appearance, like mini cypress trees. These dense and chunky buds adhere in the solid structure that one would expect of a predominantly indica strain. The tightly-curled leaves are a vibrant lime green and are shot through with hairy yellow and orange pistils. Finally, cloudy whitish trichomes coat the bud’s inner and outer nooks, giving these flowers a slightly dusty, glittering appearance, not unlike the milky way galaxy itself.

When properly cured, Milky Way has a decidedly earthy aroma, with notes reminiscent of soil and dried leaves. Some sweet and fruity accents mix with these dank scents and give the flowers a slightly fermented odor. Meanwhile, grinding up the tight buds gives off herbal and floral hints, evidence of Thai in the lineage of parent strain Northern Lights. When combusted, Milky Way burns with a smooth and pleasant smoke that tastes both earthy and floral on the exhale. Toke on this strain in a clean pipe or a joint to fully appreciate its subtle flavors.

Milky Way is a creeper of a strain and may take as many as 15 minutes after smokers have exhaled before making its effects fully felt. Initial symptoms may manifest as a tingle or a pressure around the eyes and temples, soon accompanied by a constriction at the back of the neck. Gradually, users may feel themselves relax as Milky Way pulverizes any muscular tightness or tension and allows breathing to happen more fully and deeply. This soothing vibe is likely to inspire smokers to seek refuge in the closest comfortable surroundings. At first, it may not lead to couchlock and can allow for some relative mobility and mental stimulation. This mental activity is more dopey and dreamy than cerebral though, and is more at home in jovial social situations than as a way to complete a mountain of demanding work. Instead, use Milky Way to facilitate conversation or camaraderie among like-minded friends. Alternatively, enjoy its trippy, otherworldly effects while spacing out alone to an atmospheric soundtrack of your choosing. As the high progresses or as dosage is increased, smokers may become locked into their surroundings as the rest of the world falls away. It may come as no surprise, then, that this potent indica is recommended for nighttime use.

Milky Way’s sedative, almost narcotic effects can have several benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. It can provide temporary reprieve from stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Its numbing effects may also soothe deep-seated aches and pains, while its anti-inflammatory properties can take care of minor irritations like headaches and nausea. In sufficient doses, the strain can even lull insomniacs into a deep and restful sleep. Because it is unlikely to pull smokers into intense and recursive patterns of thinking, Milky Way is a good choice for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Kiwiseeds has made seeds of Milky Way available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a partially humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Like many indicas, plants grow short and bushy and often require growers to “top” them by trimming any broad fan leaves that can prevent light and air from nurturing low-growing flowering nodes. Milky Way flowers quickly, at 7 to 8 weeks indoors and in early September outdoors. It offers growers a high yield for their efforts of about 51 to 60 grams (or 1.8 to 2.1 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Milky Way is just the thing for taking the edge off of stressful circumstances or moods. If spotted on dispensary shelves, it’s a must-try for fans of hard-hitting indicas.