Pure Power (sometimes known as Pure Power Plant) is a hybrid that leans towards the sativa end of the cannabis spectrum. The creation of Nirvana Seeds -- who have also given us Bubblicious and Black Jack -- this bud is a cross between super-potent White Widow and Powerplant, a sativa derived from South African landrace varieties. The bud offers heady effects and a dank, citrus-like aroma. Its THC levels have been measured at as high as 22% and as low as 8%.

Pure Power makes itself stand out right away with medium to large buds that maintain an elongated, almost cylindrical shape. These slightly tapered flowers look more sativa than indica, with fluffy leaves that spiral loosely outward from their central stems. The leaves themselves are a pale sea green and are visually set off by curly brown and orange pistils. Finally, parent strain White Widow passes on its propensity for high trichome count, making these buds sing with resin and psycho activity.

On initial inspection of these ragged buds, they burst with the fresh scent of orange blossoms and herbs. A second whiff reveals a more woodsy, pine-like scent. Grinding up or picking apart the flowers releases a more earthy aroma, more often associated with Kush varieties. When combusted Pure Power gives off a harsh smoke that may trigger a coughing fit. This smoke tastes like pine and citrus on the exhale, much like sativa favorite Jack Herer.

Pure Power’s potency mostly affects the head and wastes no time doing so -- shortly after consumers have savored its uniquely aromatic smoke, this bud kicks in with a rush of blood that may bring increased salivation and throbbing blood pressure to the face. As the shock of these initial symptoms abates, the user is consumed by some suddenly fast-paced thinking. New ideas or new connections between seemingly unrelated concepts may suddenly occur to the smoker, who may become suddenly lost in their own thoughts. Thanks to this cerebral intensity, Pure Power makes a good strain for studying or for executing complicated analytical tasks. It can also provide the motivation needed to accomplish anything from running errands to getting a day’s exercise. Thanks to its constant flow of thoughts, Pure Power is especially welcome in social settings, where it may keep conversation flowing among friends and new acquaintances alike. This buzzy bud comes with relatively few physical properties and is more likely to trigger red eye and cottonmouth than it is to immobilize smokers with a psychedelic body melt. While its sativa energy is an excellent daytime smoke for experienced cannabis consumers, its sky-high potency may prove to be too much for the uninitiated and may lead to paranoia or, at the very least, jitters. Those able to harness the power of this landrace descendant may find that its mental stimulation can brighten up everything from sex to video games. Because it is largely an active, uplifting smoke, Pure Power is recommended for afternoon (or even morning) use. Those toking at night should prepare to be wide awake for the foreseeable future.

Pure Power’s upbeat, active effects may also be of use to some medical cannabis patients. It can help to sustain focus for those with attention deficit disorders, while its slow burn of euphoria can temporarily take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress and depression. Anti-inflammatory properties can take care of everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. This strain can also be an effective appetite stimulant for those who have lost their hunger to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. Because it is fairly intense and cerebral, Pure Power is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Nirvana has made seeds of this potent bud available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out; while outdoor cultivation typically requires a hot, humid climate, this strain’s hardy landrace genetics may make it resistant to adverse growing conditions like temperature variations. Plants tend to grow tall and may need to be pruned back a bit if grown indoors. Pure Power flowers within a long 9 to 11 weeks, but offers patient gardeners 37 to 46 grams (or 1.3 to 1.6 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Pure Power is an absolute must for cannabis connoisseurs thank to its noble South African lineage and funky aroma. The strain is a great way to share time with friends, whether you’re lounging around inside or trekking out on a camping trip.