Red Eye OG is a mostly indica hybrid with a mysterious background. The strains’ original breeders and its genetic lineage are not publicly documented. Nevertheless, this popular bud has had fans since at least 2014 when it competed in the High Times Cannabis Cup in Los Angeles. Red Eye OG comes with a deeply relaxing high and THC content of between 19% and a whopping 28%.

Once trimmed, flowers of Red Eye OG stand out with a medium to large size and a pronounced spade-like shape. These tapered buds have a decidedly indica structure, with small leaves that curl inwards to form clustered folds, resembling coral or brain tissue. The leaves themselves are a pale shade of sage green and are twisted through with orange and brown pistils. Finally, icy white trichomes dot the surfaces of these flowers, making them both potent and sticky to the touch.

When properly cured, Red Eye OG’s flowers have a mostly earthy, musky flavor profile, redolent of freshly tilled soil. A closer whiff may also pick up on some woodsy, piney notes. When ground up or cracked open, these nuggets emit more of a rich, skunky odor. As you might imagine, these strong scents commingle in a harsh, acrid smoke when the flowers are combusted in a pipe or a joint. On the exhale, this heavy smoke tastes dank and a tiny bit fruity. Smokers who’d like to keep their consumption discreet should take some precautions, as this can be a very pungent smoke.

As with many other mostly indica strains, the high from Red Eye OG tends to creep up on the smoker. As soon as 15 minutes after it’s ingested, the strain begins to exert some pressure around the eyes and lower forehead. This strange sensation may come with other head-focused effects like some flushing in the cheeks or an increase in salivation. As users acclimate to these feelings, they may become aware of some irregularities in their sensory perception. Sights and sounds may seem to take on a new intensity; distortions like a flattening of depth perspective (especially when it comes to computer and phone screens) are also possible. Besides these trippy properties, though, Red Eye OG won’t do much in the way of mental stimulation -- don’t plan on toking this strain before embarking on a busy agenda or an important, detailed task. Instead, enjoy the bud’s psychedelic mood by immersing yourself in a moody playlist or climbing into a hot bath.

Within an hour or so, Red Eye OG’s physical properties begin to emerge. Smokers who may have been active or out and about may find themselves suddenly relaxed and more willing to take a load off on the couch at home than to plow through a to-do list. If dosage is increased, these feelings may intensify into full-on couch lock, leaving consumers willing to do little more than kick-off a binge watching session with some friends and/or snacks. For those who are sufficiently relaxed, Red Eye OG may even lead to a deep, restful sleep. Because of its mostly kicked-back properties, this potent strain si recommended for evening consumption when its sedative high can be fully appreciated.

Red Eye OG can also be of use to medical cannabis patients. Its heavy, tension-killing high can soothe the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. The strain may also lessen physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, should address irritations like nausea and cramps. Because it can easily induce the munchies, Red Eye OG may also improve appetite for those whose hunger has been diminished by disease or by treatments like chemotherapy. Finally, as noted, this strain may result in sleep, making it a potential antidote to insomnia.

Unfortunately, seeds of Red Eye OG do not seem to be available for sale online. Prospective home growers should seek out a trusted source in order to obtain clippings that can be grown as “clones.” Plants can thrive indoors or out, although outdoor success typically requires a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. While specific best practices for cultivating this variety are not widely available, its indica-influenced flowers suggest that crops grow short and busy and that they have a relatively brief flowering time.

With its sleepy, almost comatose effects, Red Eye OG is an excellent strain for unwinding -- or for catching up on sleep as you board or step off of a red-eye flight.