Named for the Salmon River in Northeastern Oregon, Salmon River OG is an indica-dominant hybrid. This bud was born to Oregon-based breeders Dynasty Genetics and is a cross between pre-98 Bubba Kush and Dynasty’s own Blue Heron. It comes with a fruity and well-rounded aroma and deeply relaxing effects. Salmon River OG’s THC levels have been measured between 17%-24%.

Salmon River OG’s large and well-formed flowers catch the eye right away. These buds have a tapered, almost conical shape, as well as the solid internal structure characteristic of other indica varieties. The short, wide leaves are a pale, sea green, although some phenotypes are punctuated by flashes of light purple as well. 

If you’re expecting Salmon River OG to smell like fish, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Cured flowers of the strain give off a fruity scent that has distinct notes of berry. A closer whiff may pick up on some dank earthiness as well. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking apart these buds yields more of a hashy, spicy odor, bringing to mind the OG Kush in this strain’s genetics. When burnt in a pipe or a joint, Salmon River OG gives off a smooth and easily ingested smoke. On the exhale, this smoke tastes sweet and fruity with some hints of coffee or cocoa.

Salmon River OG can be a creeper, taking as many as 15 minutes after ingestion before its high settles in. Effects eventually arrive in the head and exert an increase in blood pressure around the temples and cheekbones; some users also describe slight flushing in the cheeks. These unfamiliar tics set the stage for the mental state to follow: smokers tend to find themselves swallowed up by a spacey, trippy mindest characterized by sensory distortion. Visual phenomena like a flattening of depth perception may occur; an inexplicable feeling of time passing more slowly is also possible. Because of such disorienting mental effects, Salmon River OG is not the best strain to toke before embarking on a busy agenda or plowing through a pile of work. Instead, this bud is right at home in the company of an atmospheric album or movie as you lounge around in comfortable surroundings.

As this high progresses, it reveals palpable physical effects to complement its mental state. A relaxing tingle that begins in the neck may work its way down the spine and outward through the core, making limbs and eyelids feel heavy in equal measure. Consumers who were standing or otherwise active may find themselves seeking some horizontal relief. If the dosage is increased, prepare for this sedation to become pleasantly incapacitating. Eventually, Salmon River OG can make the stresses and preoccupations of the outside world fade into the background as users simply give themselves over to the force of this indica’s dreamy vibe. Because of its mostly distracted and sleepy nature, Salmon River OG is best reserved for nighttime consumption, when it can be fully appreciated -- or at least for daytime use on a day when the smoker has nothing else to accomplish.

Salmon River OG’s heavy sedation can have several benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. Its ability to pulverize any extraneous concerns makes it a good temporary treatment for stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. The strain may also address physical pain, whether it’s short-term and injury-related or chronic, as due to serious conditions like cancer or fibromyalgia. In a sufficiently relaxed set and setting, Salmon River OG can even be a sleep aid, sending insomniacs into a deep and restful slumber. Because it comes with few cerebral effects and little risk of paranoia, this strain is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Unfortunately for home growers, Dynasty Genetics has not made seeds of this strain available online. Instead, prospective growers should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain. These clippings can be grown as “clones” and may thrive indoors or outdoors in a hot, humid climate. Plants show off the strain’s indica influence, with a short, bushy silhouette and strong lateral branches. Gardeners looking to bring out this bud’s full purple potential should activate its anthocyanin pigments by exposing their crops to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures just before flowering begins. Salmon River OG is ready for harvest after a brief 7 to 8 weeks.

A standout indica with memorable flavors, Salmon River OG is a must-try for those seeking a relaxing nighttime smoke.