If you’ve ever taken a stroll down Los Angeles’ Venice Beach, you’ve probably gotten at least one whiff of cannabis smoke. This sativa-heavy strain is named for the traditional hippie neighborhood. Although Venice OG’s breeder and genetic lineage are not well documented, this bud is prized for its mostly alert mental effects and a thick, pungent smoke. Its THC content has been measured at between 15% and 26%.

When properly cured, Venice OG gives off a strong woody scent with distinct notes of pine. A closer inspection reveals a light lemony tang. Grinding up the buds, meanwhile, releases pungent fumes of skunk, bordering on gasoline. When Venice OG is burnt, it gives off a harsh and eye-watering smoke. This smokes has a funk lemon flavor on the exhale.

Venice OG is marked by medium to large flowers that cling together in round, almost spherical formations. The structure of these buds leans more indica than sativa, with small leaves that spiral tightly inward toward their central stems. The leaves themselves are a dark mossy green and are twisted through with dark, rust-colored pistils. Finally, they’re capped off by a layer of cloudy, translucent trichomes.

As with many other predominantly sativa strains, it doesn’t take long for Venice OG’s high to set in. At first, consumers may pick up on some flushing in the cheeks or a slight pulse increase in the temples. Once these odd feelings subside, they’re supplanted by a change in cognitive patterns -- certain ideas or concepts may occupy more attention than they ordinarily would, while thoughts may jump from one to the next in free association. This kind of plugged-in thinking may allow for execution of complicated, work-related tasks. Alternatively, it can open up new ways of envisioning open-ended creative projects like brainstorming or crafting. It may also be of use in social situations, as its tendency to turn up the volume on inner monologues may facilitate conversation and camaraderie, even when shared with new acquaintances. More simply, Venice OG may provide some background excitement for mundane chores like doing the dishes or cleaning the house.

Even as this high wears on, its mental acuity persists with little to no physical relaxation to tamp it down. Those who still feel the need to burn off these energetic effects can engage in some light to moderate exercise; its cerebral nature may be especially welcome on an extended nature hike. Venice OG’s upbeat properties may also enhance activities like gaming, dancing, and even sex. If the dosage is increased, smokers may experience some distortion in their sensory perception, including an intensification of certain sights or sounds and a feeling of time passing more slowly. Because of its mostly buzzy active effects, this strain is recommended for consumption during the day. It can even be a rewarding wake-and-bake treat.

Venice OG’s head-focused effects can be of use to many medical cannabis patients as well. Its early cerebral energy can allow for extended focus for those with attention deficit disorders. Its uplifted mood may also smooth over the harsh symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. The bud’s subtle physical relaxation can take the sting out of chronic physical pain; anti-inflammatory properties may dull more common irritations like headaches and cramps. Because its intense patterns of thinking can veer into paranoia in the wrong set and setting, Venice OG is not recommended for patients who are prone to pani or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Venice OG are not available for sale online. Instead, prospective growers should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants that can be fostered as “clones.” Venice OG can be grown indoors or outdoors in a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Crops tend to grow short and bushy and may call for occasional pruning. Finally, this strain can be very pungent in its vegetative stage; those looking to keep their indoor operations under wraps should invest in odor control measures like exhaust fans.

Venice OG is a must-try for sativa lovers. It’s as enjoyable for an introspective solo smoke and it is when shared with friends.