Washington State’s tallest mountain lends its name to this well-balanced bud. Mt. Rainier was created by RedEyed genetics, the purveyors of Locktite, and is a cross between staple hybrid Northern Lights and resinous White Lotus. The strain’s earthy, hashy smoke comes alongside an initially alert high that slowly tapers down into relaxation. Its THC content has been measured at between 16% and 23%.

Mt. Rainier set itself apart with medium-sized and well-formed flowers. These buds cling together in a dense, spongy structure with leaves that twist and spiral outward on their own accord. These sativa-inflected leaves are a deep shade of forest green and are twisted through with vibrant orange and yellow pistils. Finally, like Mt. Rainier itself, this bud itself is very snowy, covered with trichomes that accord for its sky-high potency.

Flowers of Mt. Rainier give off a robust and woodsy odor of pine. Hanging out underneath is a musky scent, similar to damp earth. Meanwhile, cracking open these tight buds gives off a sweet and skunky tang. When burnt, this strain gives off a harsh smoke that’s likely to induce coughing. This acrid smoke carries flavors of citrus and pine on the exhale, similar to that of popular hybrid Jack Herer.

This bud’s sativa side hits first, smacking consumer with a rush of blood to the head. The upshot is an increased pressure around the eyes and temples, as well as a possible flushing in the cheeks. Such odd physical sensations are trailed by a change in thinking patterns, in which certain ideas or concepts that may take on newfound dimensions or intensity. This cerebral mindset can facilitate concentration on complicated analytical tasks and problem-solving scenarios. Additionally, the smoker’s thoughts may jump from one to the next in surprising associations, setting the stage for brainstorming and creativity. For those who’d rather not use their brains, though, Mt. Rainier can be just as fun when it adds some background illumination to boring tasks like cleaning or running errands. As time passes, this strain can become more mellow, sending tingles of relaxation through the core and extremities. While you won’t necessarily be coughing, you may find yourself stripped of any prior motivation or “get up and go” energy. In these later stages, Mt. Rainier relaxes the user’s muscles and allows for deep and easy breathing. This indica comedown can allow for more passive activities like watching TV or simply settling into a slow and easy introspection. Because of the strain’s slow decline in energy levels, it is recommended for late afternoon or evening use when its cozy effects can be fully appreciated. Mt. Rainier’s versatile effects can be of use to many kinds of medical cannabis patients. It can be a boon to those with attention deficit disorders, helping them to concentrate on single tasks. Its mood-altering properties can also temporarily soothe the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, this bud may lift any temporary pain that’s due to injury, as well as any deep-seated pain due to conditions like arthritis. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory properties can lessen everyday irritations like headaches or nausea. Because its early stages are associated with intense, recursive patterns of thinking, Mt. Rainier is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Luckily, RedEyed genetics has made seeds of Mt. Rainier available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a hot, semi-humid climate. The strain’s plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching. Growers should regularly “top” their crops to trim away any fan leaves that can prevent light and air from reaching any low-growing flowering nodes. Mt. Rainier flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers consumers a high yield of flowers for their efforts.

Appropriately enough, Mt. Rainier makes a great enhancement to nature trips or hikes. Its well-balanced effects make this a great smoke for indica and sativa lovers alike.