Sour Patch Kiss is a cross between Sour Kush and Exotic Genetic’s sweet, biscuity Kimbo Kush. It was developed by Elev8 Seeds, the same breeders who have stabilized popular strains like Gorilla Cookies. Sour Patch Kiss offers a balanced (but slightly sativa-dominant) high alongside a funky berry taste. Its potency has been measured at between 21% and a whopping 31% THC.

Sour Patch Kiss is marked by medium-sized flowers that hold the relatively loose, fluffy bud structure often associated with sativa varieties. The small and wispy leaves are a bright shade of lime green and are threaded through with pale brown and yellow hairs (which are actually pistils, meant to catch pollen from would-be fertilizing male plants). Translucent, milky-white trichomes cover the buds, giving them a silver sheen and making them very difficult to break up by hand.

When properly cured, flowers of Sour Patch Kiss give off the tangy aroma of fresh blueberries. Mixed with this burst of fruit is the mellow odor of pine and soil. A close inspection will also reveal some citrus sweetness, courtesy of Kimbo Kush. Breaking up or grinding the fluffy nugs yields the chemical stench of gasoline. When combusted, Sour Patch Kiss gives off a harsh, acrid smoke that can sting sinuses and cause eyes to water. On the exhale, this strain has the mouth-puckering taste of diesel fumes, leaving just a hint of sweet berry. This can be a pungent smoke; those looking to keep their toking discreet should take the necessary precautions.

The high from Sour Patch Kiss is a bit of a creeper and may take a few minutes to take hold after smokers have recovered from the shock of its sour taste. Initial effects manifest as an enhanced awareness of one’s surroundings -- both visual and auditory stimuli may be somewhat enhanced or seem more interesting than they otherwise might. While some may find this altered perception alarming, experienced cannabis users can expect to settle into the slightly psychedelic high with some mellow music or a walk outdoors. Indeed, in the right set and setting, Sour Patch Kiss can provide the motivation needed to accomplish work, whether it’s cerebral and problem-oriented or more mundane and task-based. As the high wears on or as dosage is increased, this strain’s sedative properties creep in and may provoke the desire to sit or lay down. Due to its energizing sativa onset, Sour Patch Kiss may leave smokers wired if they consume it at night; it’s best enjoyed during the morning or afternoon.

Sour Patch Kiss also has several uses for medical cannabis patients. Its easygoing and productive vibes can temporarily help those struggling with mild to moderate stress or depression. It may also help those with attention deficit disorders to maintain focus on the tasks in front of them. Sedative properties can soothe users’ aches and pains, while patients who have lost their appetites to disease or medication may find themselves suddenly hungry. Sour Patch Kiss is not recommended for those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance, as the force of its early cerebral effects can be overwhelming.

Elev8 has made seeds of Sour Patch Kiss available online for prospective growers. It can be successfully grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants can grow tall and may need to be pruned and trimmed back early in the vegetative stage in order to fit in smaller indoor spaces. Sour Patch Kiss flowers within a long 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors. Finally, just as it can be pungent when burnt, its distinctive odor is pervasive during the growing process; growers should invest in odor control measures like exhaust fans or carbon air filters.

Although its tart flavor profile can prove divisive, Sour Patch Kiss offers a versatile high that can be enjoyed in a variety of contexts. This strain’s attention-grabbing name could just backfire, though -- in 2016, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission banned 14 strains on the grounds that their names might appeal to children; if Sour Patch Kiss continues to gain popularity, it may find itself the target of a similar ban.