Panda OG joins a growing roster of high-quality hybrids coming out of Washington state. Created by breeders Grow Op Farms based in the Spokane Valley, this sativa-leaning strain is part of the producers’ Phat Panda branded line. It is a cross between OG Chem and the lesser-seen Berry Sour Cream, and offers a complex set of flavors alongside a potent head buzz. Panda OG’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and an impressive 25%.

Flowers of Panda OG are mostly visually unimpressive; they are small and hold a more sativa-typical bud structure, with somewhat fluffy, ragged leaves that can tear away easily from central stems. The leaves are a dark shade of forest green and are threaded through with yellow to orange hairs. The primarily aroma of these buds is redolent of sweet berries, passed on from parent strain Berry Sour Cream. On closer inspection, the unmistakable chemical odor of ammonia also wafts up from the flowers, undoubtedly passed on from pungent Chem OG. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking open the buds yields some dank, Kushy notes. When combusted, Panda OG burns with a harsh, cough-inducing smoke. It may have an acrid, sour tang on the exhale, flecked by hints of berry flavor.

Born and bred in Washington state, Panda OG is a sativa-leaning cross between OG Chem and Berry Sour Cream. The small, popcorny nugs have fluffy leaves that are a dark shade of forest green. A tangy berry scent springs off of the flowers. There’s also a little bit of spice and incense passed on from the strain’s OG Kush genetics and a chemical odor passed on from its Chemdawg side. An energizing, bouncy head high sets in quickly, making smokers’ thoughts jump quickly from one to the next. It can aid focus on complicated analytical tasks or can just keep a friendly conversation humming along. There’s also a slight onset of indica relaxation, especially as dosage is increased. Panda OG is great for either "Wake N Bake" or evening use. A little bit goes a long way, too -- this strain’s THC has been measured at levels as high as 25%.

Panda OG has a high that comes on quickly, manifesting as a distinct pressure around the eyes and temples. Smokers often notice a sharpening of their senses; visual and audio stimuli can take on new dimensions, even seeming somewhat psychedelic in nature. Thoughts may also come with a new intensity, making Panda OG perfect for creative visualization or analytical problem-solving. As the high progresses, a slight indica body high creeps in, allowing users to breathe more easily and possible even inspiring them to take a load off in the closest comfortable surroundings. Despite this increased physical relaxation, though, consumers of Panda OG are able to maintain focus and lucidity for the duration of the high. The unique blend of action on mind and body makes this strain a good accompaniment to activities that involve a combination of physical coordination and mental acuity -- for example, video games, exercise, and sex. A little bit of this adorably-named strain can go a long way, even for more experienced cannabis consumers.

Panda OG also has several applications for medical cannabis patients. It can lessen the severity of many kinds of aches and pains. It may also serve as an appetite stimulant, provoking hunger for those who have lost their appetites to disease or to invasive treatments like chemotherapy. Psychologically speaking, Panda OG can be helpful for those suffering from mild to moderate stress and depression, as it can elevate mood and bring about a feeling of presence and mindfulness. This strain’s long-lasting clearheadedness can even help those with attention deficit disorders to maintain focus on a single task. Because it can bring about jitters or cause overstimulated minds to race along endlessly, Panda OG is not recommended for those who have a very low tolerance for THC or are prone to panic.

Grow Op Farms has not released seeds of this strain for commercial sale. As such, growers seeking to produce a crop of Panda OG plants will need to obtain clippings from mature plants of this strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Although there is limited information available on ideal conditions for cultivation of Panda OG, like many hybrids, it can be grown either indoors or out -- although successful outdoor growing calls for a warm, semi-humid Mediterranean-like climate. We also know that sativa-dominant hybrids in the Chemdawg family can have a long flowering time of about 9 to 10 weeks and can grow particularly tall during the flowering period.

After taking the time to harvest this strain, growers should also properly cure their flowers. Curing involves hanging freshly-cut buds upside down for about a week in surroundings with 50% humidity and a steady 70 degree Fahrenheit temperature. Once buds are sufficiently dry, they should be sealed in airtight jars in surroundings with 70 degree temperatures and about 60-65% humidity.

Hybrid fans who prefer a burst of sativa energy that is tempered by a slight body buzz will find what they’re looking for in Panda OG. Its potent, long-lasting effects -- and memorable flavor to boot -- is sure to win repeat customers, even outside Panda OG’s current fan base in the Pacific Northwest.