Named for the hulking size of its plants and buds, Sumo Grande is a visually impressive strain that offers potent sativa effects to match. Created by Colorado Seed Inc, this strain is a combination of the Sour Diesel-descended Hong Kong and Colorado Seed’s own Nina Limone. Per available measurements, Sumo Grande’s THC content ranges from an impressive 24% to an insane 31%.

As their name implies, flowers of Sumo Grande are larger than average. These big boys hold together in chunky, almost spherical shapes and have a somewhat hybridized internal structure, with a dense core that is more typical of indica varieties while bearing the long, loosely twisted leaves most associated with sativas. These leaves themselves are a bright shade of spring green and are accentuated by wiry orange pistils and clustered, translucent trichomes.

When properly cured, Sumo Grande has a mostly fruity aroma, redolent of fresh citrus. A second inspection of the buds may also pick up on some woodsy notes of pine. Grinding up or picking apart these flowers, meanwhile, releases a coppery, diesel-like odor. Surprisingly, though, this gasoline scent doesn’t come through much when the strain is combusted, instead burning with a sweet, orange-tinged scent and a light and easily ingested smoke.

This almost pure sativa doesn’t need much time before getting to work. Soon after inhaling its fragrant smoke, consumers may experience a mild head rush. Some pressure in the temples may come around the same time that smokers detect slight cottonmouth or some flushing in the cheeks. Eventually, these strange sensations melt away, leaving smokers immersed in a newly cerebral mindset. Thoughts may seem to flow more quickly than usual or may take on a new complexity. Similarly, users may find themselves making surprising connections between seemingly unrelated things. As such, Sumo Grande can set the stage for productivity on complex analytical tasks; it may also provide a spark of creativity for those working on more open-ended projects or brainstorms. Meanwhile, the strain’s buzzy thoughtfulness can result in free-flowing conversation and good vibes when shared in social situations. For some, Sumo Grande’s general stimulation and jolt of energy can be a fun way to enjoy activities requiring complex coordination, like exercise, gaming, or even sex.

Sumo Grande’s high tends to be unburdened by physical effects, allowing smokers to maintain their active, lucid mood for quite some time -- indeed, this high is said to last longer than usual, even for experienced consumers with a high THC tolerance. Because of its mostly wired and energetic properties, Sumo Grande is recommended for daytime (or even morning) consumption. If toked before bed, it’s almost certain to keep its users wide awake.

Sumo Grande’s general arousal can have several medical benefits in addition to these recreational uses. Its ability to engender focus can help those with attention deficit disorders concentrate on a single task. Additionally, its constant glow of euphoria may provide a temporary distraction from the symptoms of stress and depression. Physical applications include some anti-inflammatory relief from common pains like headaches, as well as an inclination toward the munchies that may enhance appetite for those with digestive problems. Because its heavily head-focused effects come with some risk of self-directed, obsessive thinking, however, Sumo Grande is not the best choice for patients who have a low THC tolerance or are prone to paranoia.

Unfortunately, Colorado Seed Inc has not yet made seeds of Sumo Grande available for sale online. One option for those looking to grow this strain at home is to obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants, which can be propagated as “clones.” These can be grown indoors or out, with outdoor success calling for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These sativa-inflected plants may grow quite tall, calling for indoor gardeners to keep height manageable with occasional pruning. Although it flowers within a relatively long 10 weeks, Sumo Grande is said to offer a very high yield of product at harvest time.

A sativa that’s as effective as it is attractive, Sumo Grande is a must-try for smokers seeking all-day stimulation. The bud’s unique aroma may also be of interest to terpene nerds.