Orange Creamiscle is a sativa-dominant hybrid with balance, subtle effects. The real highlight here is the boutique strain’s memorable flavor profile, a combination of sweet citrus and vanilla that reminds many of the classic dessert of the same name. A cross between Orange Crush and Juicy Fruit, both flavor-engineered strains themselves, Orange Creamsicle was created by MTG Seeds, breeders who supply California dispensaries with various limited edition strains. With somewhat lower than average potency, this strain may be a good choice for newcomers to cannabis; its psychoactivity has been measured at between 7% and 18% THC.

Orange Creamsicle stands out with large, solid flowers that are almost cylindrical in shape, tapering slightly from base to tip. The densely-packed leaves are a mossy shade of green. Bright orange pistils stand out vibrantly against the leaves while plenty of translucent white trichomes give the flowers a silvery sheen. This coexistence of orange pistils and white trichomes within these buds seems to suggest that the flowers’ color scheme is more of a reason for this strain’s name than its actual flavor.

Properly cured, flowers of Orange Creamsicle emit a sharp citrus tang. Hanging out underneath is a fruity berry scent, possibly passed on from grandparent strain Blueberry. These flowers have a relative lack of dank or spicy odors, even when ground up or broken open. When burnt in a joint or a pipe, Orange Creamsicle gives off a smooth and easy smoke. There’s an undeniable aftertaste of orange on the exhale; some smokers also report hints of vanilla hanging out on the palate.

For a sativa, Orange Creamsicle offers a relatively slow, creeping high. Several minutes after savoring this bud’s unique taste, smokers will feel a constriction of blood vessels around the eyes and temples. Eventually, smokers also notice an uptick in freely-associative thought. Far from intensely cerebral, though, these mental effects are subtle. Users are typically still able to converse or to carry on with any complicated analytical or creative tasks in front of them. As the high wears on, a gradual feeling of physical relaxation creeps in, banishing muscular tension and allowing consumers to breathe more deeply and easily. This combination of mental and physical effects can take the edge off of a long day, eliminating stressors and allowing for some mellow introspective time. Relaxing but not sleepy, Orange Creamsicle rarely leads to couchlock. It is also free from the sharp, disorienting comedown from euphoria that may come with some purer sativas. Because of its versatile and even-handed effects, this bud is as enjoyable for a wake-and-bake as it is for a nighttime treat.

Orange Creamsicle may have several benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. Its ability to regulate mood can temporarily alleviate the acute symptoms of mild to moderate stress, depression, and anxiety. The strain’s relaxing somatic effects can also soothe patients’ aches and pains, whether they’re temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. Additionally, anti-inflammatory properties may take care of more common irritations like headaches or nausea. Because of its lack of intense cerebral effects, Orange Creamsicle is a good option for those who may be prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Seeds of Orange Creamsicle are sometimes available from breeder MTG, pending stock levels. Alternatively, prospective growers can obtain clippings from mature plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clone.” This bud can be grown indoors, or outdoors in semi-humid climates with consistent daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. That said, Orange Creamsicle can be a hardy, resilient grow even in adverse conditions, thanks to the sturdy Thai and Afghani landrace genes in parent strain Juicy Fruit’s background. Like many sativas, these plants can reach great heights and, if grown indoors, will need to be trained early on in the vegetative stage through regular trimming and pruning. Also like many sativas, Orange Creamsicle has a long flowering time of about 9 weeks when cultivated indoors. It is known to offer growers a high yield of flowers for their efforts.

Orange Creamsicle’s refreshing flavor and middle-of-the-road high are as enjoyable when savored alone as they are when shared with friends. If you do decided to share this bud, make sure you have enough, as its crowd-pleasing aroma is sure to turn some heads.