Moonwalker Kush is a hybrid with a balanced taste and well-rounded effects, making it a great middle-of-the-road strain for cannabis novices and veterans alike. Although its effects lean toward the lazy indica end of the spectrum, it can also provide creativity and motivation under the right circumstances. This strain is a cross between 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup winner Triple OG (aka XXX OG) and Alien Genetics’ signature hybrid Tahoe Alien.

Moonwalker Kush is distinguished by medium-sized nuggets. The flowers maintain a dense and heavy indica bud structure, with tightly packed leaves and trichomes inside and out. Leaves are an earthy shade of olive green, offset by rust-colored hairs (which are actually pistils, intended to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants). The dusting of resinous trichomes makes this a sticky flower that’s difficult to break up without the use of a grinder. Moonwalker Kush’s primary aroma is dank, much like wet earth and leaves. There are also some notes of hash and black pepper. Breaking open the buds gives off a somewhat unpleasant musk that some experienced smokers might find similar to Cheese strains. When burnt, Moonwalker Kush creates a harsh, acrid smoke that may sting the sinuses and induce coughing. On the exhale, users may detect a spicy lingering aftertaste.

A bit of a creeper, Moonwalker Kush has effects that mount slowly, eventually hitting users with a tingle that begins in the head and moves throughout the body. There is an initial sense of disorientation -- senses may feel sharper and users can perceive sights and sounds more intensely than before. Once settled in, however, smokers can enjoy a rambling free association of thoughts. Such cerebral stimulation easily lends itself to creative work or to friendly conversation. Moonwalker Kush comes with some physical effects as well: as the high progresses or as higher dosages are consumed, users will feel this strain’s OG Kush influence in a wave of relaxation. Heavy, numb limbs may provoke the feeling of melting into one’s surroundings, eventually leading to intractable couchlock.

These far-reaching recreational effects have medical uses as well. Moonwalker Kush can be an effective analgesic for anything from sore muscles to nerve-related pain conditions. It can relieve headaches and migraines and may even have the ability to suppress seizures and spasms. Its unique elevation of both body and mind can mitigate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, helping patients to appreciate their surroundings and to live “in the moment.” This strain’s sustained sense of focus can also be beneficial to those with attention deficit disorders. In large amounts, Moonwalker Kush brings on sleep, crushing stubborn cases of insomnia. Finally, because its cerebral effects are grounded by a potent body stone, this variety comes with a lessened risk of episodic paranoia.

A recent crossbreed, Moonwalker Kush may be difficult to find outside of the Pacific Northwest. Packaged seeds have not yet been released for sale and clones may be similarly hard to come by. As a result, we have limited information on cultivating this strain. As with any cannabis strain, though, it can be successfully cultivated in controlled indoor conditions or in outdoor operations with semi-humid climates in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range.

Although it’s a balanced strain, Moonwalker Kush’s indica leanings make it more suited to nighttime than to morning or afternoon use. Its coveted equilibrium between thoughtfulness and physical stimulation make it a great choice for activities that involve both the body and brain -- including, but not limited to, eating, exercise, and sex. In the right set and setting, Moonwalker Kush may even inspire smokers to teach themselves how to moonwalk.