Royal Kush is a mostly indica hybrid that carries on the prestigious genetics of two classic strains. Created by G13 Labs, a European seed company responsible for many flavor-focused strains, Royal Kush is a cross between staple hybrid Skunk #1 and an Afghani indica landrace. With soothing physical effects and a blissful, dreamy high, this is a variety well suited to mellow nighttime use. According to cannabis testing lab Analytical 360, flowers of Royal Kush have been found to have THC levels of 15% to as much as 25%

This impressive strain has medium to large flowers that ahdere in elongated, chunky buds. The buds have the tight and dense bud structure typical of many other indica varieties. The leaves are a vibrant spring green with yellowish pistils threaded throughout. Certain phenotypes also have shades of purple, a color that comes about when anthocyanin pigments in the plant are agitated by unusually cold temperatures during the growing process. Milky white trichomes cover the outer surfaces and inner crevices of the flowers and give the cured buds an extremely sticky, resinous texture that makes them difficult to break up by hand. Royal Kush has the full-bodied incense aroma of parent strain Afghani, with notes of pine and sandalwood. Underneath these scents is a sour, citrus-like tinge. When combusted, this strain gives off smoke that may seem remarkably smooth for an indica. On the exhale, users will detect a skunky-sweet taste with a little bit of fruit. Notably, Royal Kush has no discernible grape or berry flavors; the pigments that determine this strain’s purple hues do not have a similar effect on its taste. Like Skunk #1, this is a very pungent variety -- smokers should double-bag their bud when transporting it and enjoy it in isolated locations.

Royal Kush is a strain that slowly creeps up on the user with full-bodied physical relaxation. In the minutes following consumption, users may feel a tingle in the head and shoulders and shoulders that gradually spreads through the limbs and torso like a wave. Smokers may find themselves breathing and moving more slowly and may feel inclined to veg out in comfortable surroundings. Although some may feel an alteration in their thinking or perception, this takes more of a hazy, rambling character. Psychedelic effects like visual distortions or a sense of time dilation are common.

These strong sedative properties make Royal Kush a valuable strain for medical cannabis patients as well. Its suppression of stress and tension is a great temporary treatment for acute symptoms of stress, anxiety, and even PTSD. It’s also useful in treating anything from muscle soreness to entrenched nerve pain as the result of conditions like fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s Disease. As more and more is consumed, this strain can lull users into an easy, restful sleep, providing relief from insomnia. Royal Kush is also known to be an effective appetite stimulant. This strain is potent and long-lasting, even for more experienced cannabis users. As such, smokers should consume in moderation at first.

Packaged seeds of Royal Kush can be bought from its creator G13; alternatively, growers can obtain clippings from mature plants in order to grow genetically identical clones. This strain can be grown indoors or outdoors, although successful outdoor cultivation depends on a consistently warm, semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. Royal Kush is a manageable crop indoors, where it reaches maximum heights of 2 to 4 feet. Growers should “top” their plants by trimming any broad fan leaves in order to let light in and stimulate low-growing flowering nodes. Growers looking to bring out this strain’s colorful, eye-catching potential should also expose plants to colder than average temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Royal Kush flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in late September when grown outdoors. It offers growers a moderate to high yield of about 46 grams (1.6 ounces) of flower per square meter of plant when grown indoors and 1000 grams (36 ounces) of flower per single plant when grown outdoors.

Although it’s not the best choice for powering through a long to-do list, Royal Kush is just the thing for unwinding after a hectic day. Hang out like royalty in a richly-perfumed daze and enjoy some mellow introspection.