Willy Wonka is a sativa-dominant strain with a smooth yet energetic high that’s great for cannabis novices. Created by Spanish seed company Mr. Natural, this hybrid is a cross between the Thai-descended Chocolate Trip and famed Cinderella 99. With a robust flavor and powerful effects, it’s no wonder that a concentrate produced from Willy Wonka took home honors in the 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup in Denver. This strain scores consistently high marks for potency -- cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 found multiple samples of Willy Wonka to have between 20% and 28% THC.

Flowers of Willy Wonka tend to be on the smaller side. The nugs, which cling together in a dense, clustered bud structure, are broad at their base and taper into a spade-like point. Hairy red pistils twist their way through the tightly-packed leaves. The leaves themselves are what really make Willy Wonka stand out -- a mossy green, they are often mottled with deep shades of purple. These surprising hues are the result of pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genetics. When agitated by cold weather, these pigments create shades of blue and purple in much the same way that depleted chlorophyll levels cause foliage to change color in autumn. Finally, much like the similarly alliterative strain White Widow, Willy Wonka is covered in a blanket of translucent white trichomes that account for its psychoactivity.

The sharp smell of citrus wafts up from cured flowers of Willy Wonka; many smokers also detect distinct notes of apricot in its aroma. Underlying this fruity bouquet is a dank base of pine and damp earth. Breaking open the buds also reveals hints of musk. When combusted, Willy Wonka burns with a smooth smoke that’s easy on the lungs and sinuses. Appropriately enough, this sweet smoke tastes like rich cocoa on the exhale; Willy Wonka himself would doubtless be proud of this unique mix of flavors.

Something of a creeper, Willy Wonka may take several minutes before its effects begin to emerge. A slight distortion of sight and vision is accompanied by surging feelings of euphoria. Endowed with a burst of energy, smokers may feel moved to engage with their surroundings, making this a great strain for exercise. The strain’s lasting feeling of focus can also set the mood for work productivity, whether you’re in a creative or a more analytical field. In social settings, Willy Wonka can inspire intense, engaging conversations with like-minded companions. As the high wears on, users may feel a slight tingle or a mounting sense of relaxation -- but this bud isn’t likely to bring about inescapable couch-lock. A great choice for daytime use, Willy Wonka is just what the doctor ordered for a soothing wake-and-bake session; consumed at night, it’s more likely to keep smokers buzzed and alert before bed. For those with a high THC tolerance, Willy Wonka’s effects tend to taper off relatively early.

Willy Wonka can have several uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Its clear-minded lucidity can be a boon to those with attention deficit disorders, greatly improving focus. Its ability to elevate mood can also temporarily relieve the troubling symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Because its physical effects are more subtle, Willy Wonka can be great for mild irritations like headaches or nausea but may not work as well in soothing chronic, nerve-related pain. Because its initial are energetic without being overly cerebral, this strain can be a great choice for those who are prone to panic.

Mr. Natural has made seeds of Willy Wonka available online, but the company only ships orders within Spain; prospective growers elsewhere will need to obtain clippings from healthy plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Willy Wonka can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degree Fahrenheit. Those looking to bring out the leaves’ eye-catching purple streaks should briefly expose their crops to nighttime temperatures at least ten to fifteen degrees colder than average. Willy Wonka flowers within 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in early October when grown outdoors. It’s also known to be a high yielder.

An agreeable, low-key sativa hybrid, Willy Wonka is versatile enough for use alone or with a large group of friends. For a full Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed smoke session, pair this strain with the more balanced Golden Ticket.