Named for the creepy lizard-people from the 1970s adventure show Land of the Lost, Sleestack is an out-of-this-world sativa-dominant hybrid. Conceived by DNA Genetics, the prolific breeders who have also given us Chocolope, Sleestack is a cross between Martian Mean Green and citrus-flavored Schrom. The result is a bud with a complex lemon aroma and a mostly awake, thoughtful high. Its THC content has been measured at between 15% and 25%.

Flowers of this potent strain tend to be visually underwhelming and smaller than average. The little nuggets tend to cling together in dense, popcorn-like clusters, with a fluffy, piecey bud structure that leans more toward the sativa end of the spectrum. The color of these flowers might just be the only area in which they impress, standing out with vibrant lime green leaves; some phenotypes of the strain also show off purple hues, courtesy of the pigment anthocyanin. The buds are twisted through with bold orange pistils and covered with icy, translucent trichomes.

A first whiff of Sleestack reveals its strong citrus aroma, passed on from parent strain Schrom. A closer inspection picks up on some astringent fumes of diesel as well. Grinding up the flowers, meanwhile, release the pungent scent of skunk. When it is combusted in a pipe or a joint, Sleestack’s smoke can be harsh and cough-inducing. This smoke carries has a citrus character with some ammonia, chemical-like flavors on the exhale.

Even as Sleestack’s high progresses, its cerebral vibe tends to persist. While some may feel an increased sense of physical relaxation, it isn’t typically enough to induce couchlock or to make users zone out. Those looking to burn off some of the bud’s energy can indulge in some light to moderate exercise -- or if the vibe and the company are right, sex. Because of its tendency to inspire fast-paced thinking and giddiness, Sleestack may encourage conversation and camaraderie, even when shared with relative strangers. Because of its mostly upbeat, animated properties, Sleestack is recommended for consumption during the daytime, even as a wake-and-bake treat. If consumed before bed, it’s liable to keep smokers awake.

Sleestack’s head high can also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its initial sense of concentration may allow those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on single tasks. Its generally uplifted mood may also help to temporarily relieve some of the symptoms associated with stress and depression. The strain’s subtle physical properties may soothe pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or lupus. Sleestack is also known to induce the munchies, making it a good potential appetite stimulant for those struggling with hunger or satiety. Because it can bring about strong, recursive patterns of thinking, Sleestack is not a good choice for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Sleestack are available from DNA Genetics’ Reserva Privada line. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite a mostly sativa background, the strain’s plants tend to be short and bushy. Gardeners looking to bring out the buds’ full purple potential should expose their crops to temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees below average. Sleestack flowers within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors. At maturity, the strain offers between 32 and 46 and grams (or 1.1 to 1.6 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Sleestack can be a great tool for morning or daytime motivation. It can be a very pungent smoke, though, and those toking in public should take the proper precautions.