Brand X

Not many strains get to claim all four corners of the X, but perhaps this strain, more commonly known as “Ostipow,” gets its nickname because of the powerful quad parentage. Though the breeders remain unknown, there is plenty of speculation as to who they are. What we do know is that this decades old, Michigan born strain is a four-way cross between Hash Plant, Afghanistan #1, Northern Lights #5, and Ostipow Indica and packs an unruly punch that will have you switching between intense psychedelic rushes and deep, monotoned couch lock.

With staggeringly high THC levels, averaging at a whopping 25% to 28%, and a 90/10 indica-dominant ratio, it’s not really a mystery as to why this strain has had such a long lifespan. If the flavorful palate and easy to love aromas don’t get you, the psychoactivity and deep unpulsed rest certainly will. Don’t let the boldness of the strain scare you off, as these fluffy, pepper-shaped nugs are well worth a try. The long amber hairs and white trichomes give you the feeling of walking through a hillside forest. These dark green nugs give off aromas of pine and mint with hints of tree bark and earth. The flavors are similar, reminiscent of a crisp arbor stroll.

Brand X is an intense high that starts you off running straight out of the gates. Users who are prone to paranoia, anxiety, or have heart conditions are cautioned away from this extreme strain. Upon the first hit, your heart will be racing, causing thoughts and actions to sprint to catch up. The psychedelic effects take a stronghold over your body and spin you into a whirlwind of trippy thoughts and vivid colors. After around 10 minutes of ferocity, you’ll feel a sudden halt, like slamming on the breaks, as the unwavering couch locksets in. All motivation goes out the window and you will feel completely sedated. Sleep won’t be too far behind, though some people find themselves in this state for hours.

Because of Brand X’s powerful effects, it is ideal for experienced users in the treatment of chronic pain, insomnia, and mood disorders such as depression, stress, and bipolar. This is not a strain for those with PTSD, ADHD, or anxiety disorder in any way, as the psychedelic nature of this strain intensifies those symptoms tenfold. If you are easily stimulated by marijuana, this is also a great strain for poor digestion, anorexia, or lack of appetite.

Though the short, wide appearance of this strain might make it seem not so intimidating it would be wise to exercise caution both in the use of and the growing of Brand X. This is an intermediate to advanced grow and takes longer than usual to get started. Known as a slow grow start, this plant prefers organic fertilizer and cool to moderate temperatures to fully bloom. The flowering time is around 8 to 9 weeks and will have an average yield for a plant of its size.

Intense, extreme, fully charged, fully loaded, ferocious, wild, sedative. However you want to describe it, any of these words would be appropriate to use when talking about Brand X. Between its psychoactivity and its ability to knock you clean out, this bud is one for the books. Brand X is highly recommended for advanced users in all aspects, be it medical or recreational.