Pagoda is a sativa-dominant hybrid created by prolific growers Bodhi Seeds. This strain is the combination of a ‘Genius’ phenotype of Apollo 11 and woodsy hybrid Appalachia. From its parent strains, Pagoda has inherited a well-balanced high and a multilayered aroma that blends bright citrus with some funky chemical aromas. Pagoda’s THC content has been measured at between 16% and 22%.

Pagoda establishes its bag appeal right off the bat with large and well-formed flowers. These buds adhere in a roughly conical shape and has the piecey, ragged-looking structure often seen in pure sativa landrace varieties like Jamaican or Thai. The strain’s long, stringy leaves are a dark shade of hunter green and are shot through with curly orange and brown pistils. In some cases, Pagoda’s leaves show off patches of muted blue and purple as well, evidence of high concentrations of the pigment anthocyanin. Finally, a high volume of cloudy white trichomes coats these flowers, accounting for their potency.

The first aromatic impression that Pagoda’s flowers give off is that of bright citrus, with distinct hints of orange and grapefruit. A second whiff, meanwhile, may pick up on some astringent, ammonia-like undertones. Grinding up or picking apart these loose flowers may yield some sour notes, somewhat like fermented fruit. When burnt, Pagoda gives off a smooth and very palatable smoke; this smoke tastes mouth-puckeringly fruity and tart on the exhale. Because Pagoda’s occasionally purple hues are determined by pigments while its aroma is determined by separate compounds called terpenes, these buds have little to no discernible scents of grape.

Pagoda doesn’t take much time before striking users with its considerable effects. After just a few minutes, consumers may feel a concerted pressure around the temples and lower forehead, accompanied by some possible flushing in the cheeks or an increase in salivation. As these strange tics subside, however, smokers may notice an uptick in their patterns of thinking. Certain ideas that might not otherwise be interesting may seem to take on a new gravity or intensity. Similarly, thoughts may flow rapidly from one to the next in a kind of categorical free-association. This activated mindset can allow for extended productivity on complicated, analytical projects as well as on freewheeling creative work. Alternatively, users can simply enjoy Pagoda’s playful mental stimulation as they go about boring tasks like running errands or cleaning.

Even as this high wears on, users tend not to be weighed down by heavy feelings of physical sedation. Instead, Pagoda’s energy can be burnt off by engaging in some moderate exercise or simply by enjoying lively conversation and maybe some games with friends. Because of its predominantly alert and wide-awake nature, Pagoda is recommended for consumption during the daytime.

Pagoda’s buzzy mental effects give the strain a few applications for medical cannabis patients as well. The cerebral qualities that come with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to stay focused on a single task. Its mood-enhancing properties, meanwhile, may temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress and depression. While Pagoda’s physical recreational properties are limited, its anti-inflammatory properties may provide some relief from everyday irritations like headaches, cramps, or nausea. Because this strain is associated with intnesen patterns of recursive thinking, it is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia or panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Fortunately for prospective home growers, Bodhi has made seeds of Pagoda available for sale online. Once obtained, the strain can be grown indoors or outdoors in a hot and humid climate; that said, Pagoda’s plants have shown some resistant to mold and may prove to be a hardy outdoor grow. True to their sativa roots, crops tend to grow tall and branchy and may require indoor gardeners to trim them back to keep height manageable. Pagoda flowers within 8 to 10 weeks when grown indoors. Finally, those looking to bring out the plant’s eye-catching purple shades should expose their plants to cold (but not freezing) temperatures just before freezing begins.

A strain worth sampling by terpene connoisseurs, Pagoda should be snatched up if spotted on dispensary shelves.