Named for the first man-made satellite launched into orbit, Sputnik is a strong sativa sure to send you into a new mental stratosphere. This strain is a cross between Apollo 13 and the colorful Black Russian. The resulting cosmonaut-themed bud offers users a fruity flavor profile and a mostly buzzy mindset. Its THC content has been measured at between 14% and 23%.

Sputnik stands out with medium-sized flowers that adhere in a pinecone-like shape. These buds have an apparently sativa-inflected structure, with fluffy leaves that twist away and separate from each other and the flower’s margins. The leaves, which may take their pigment from parent strain Black Russian, are a dark, drab olive green and are threaded through with brown pistils. Finally, a high volume of cloudy, resinous trichomes coat the flowers, making them very sticky to the touch and accounting for their psychoactivity.

On the first inspection, Sputnik’s flowers have a sweet, slightly herbal aroma. There are also some bright notes of berry lurking underneath. Grinding up these flowers, meanwhile, gives off a deep skunky tank. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Sputnik gives off an uncommonly smooth and easily palatable smoke. On the exhale, this smoke tastes fruity and a little bit floral.

Like many other predominantly sativa strains, Sputnik’s cerebral high erupts very shortly after users have inhaled its tasty smoke. Initial signs that this bud is working include a head rush followed by a feeling of constriction around the temples are lower forehead. As these odd sensations become more familiar, smokers may find that their thoughts are moving more quickly, possibly even jumping from one to the next in a chain of free association. Additionally, some ideas and concepts may suddenly seem more fascinating than they otherwise might. This kind of focused mindset can help the motivated user execute detailed analytical tasks. Similarly, it may add some excitement to otherwise intolerable chores like doing the dishes or the laundry. For the more physically-inclined among Sputnik’s consumers, the strain’s constantly-churning energy can be put to use with some light to moderate exercise (provided of course that you don’t become paranoid at the gym).

After some time, a subtle feeling of physical relaxation may creep in, but such effects are unlikely to derail a user’s agenda or render them motionless on the couch. Instead, Sputnik’s combination of mental and bodily effects can enhance activities that involve holistic coordination like dancing, gaming, and even sex. Because of its tendency to amplify the monologues going on in people’s heads, this strain is also a great tool for encouraging conversation and camaraderie in social situations, even when shared with new acquaintances. Thanks to its mostly upbeat, wide-awake vibes, Sputnik is recommended for consumption during the day; for those with a sufficient THC tolerance, it can be a nice wake-and-bake treat.

Sputnik’s heady effects may also be of use to medical cannabis patients. It may allow those with attention deficit disorders to stay focused on a single task. Its generally uplifted mood may also temporarily distract from the harsh symptoms of stress and depression. The bud’s physical properties may soothe pain, whether it’s serious and disease-related, or more common, as due to headaches or cramps. Because the feeling of “mind race” that comes with its onset can be disorienting or uncomfortable in the wrong set and setting, Sputnik is not a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Sputnik may be available in limited quantities from Earth Seeds. Those not able to obtain seeds online can take clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain that can be grown as “clones.” Once obtained, Sputnik can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a hot, humid climate with consistent daytime sunlight. Plants grow somewhat tall and branchy and flower within a very brief 7 to 8 weeks. Sputnik is known to offer a high yield of flowers at harvest time.

Sputnik is Russian for “fellow traveler” -- and indeed, this strain is sure to stick with you as you take a short mental vacation. It’s as fun for an introspective solo smoke session as it is when shared with like-minded friends.