Morning Star

Morning Star is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a crowd-pleasing flavor profile and an upbeat, stimulating high. Created by breeding group Seeds of Freedom, it is a cross between Sensi Star and Cannabis Cup finalist Leda Uno. The resulting plant offers consumers a strong mental buzz that still allows them to function in day-to-day life. Morning Star’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 24%.

Morning Star’s flowers tend not to be as visually impressive as they are aromatically memorable. These buds are only small to medium in size and cling together in tight, pebbly clusters. The popcorn-like nuggets are compact, with a typically dense indica bud structure. The small, curled leaves are a mottled mix of gold and green and are twisted through with rust-colored pistils. Finally, trichomes cover the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these flowers, making them very potent and hard to break up without a quality grinder.

Morning Star’s aroma is unique in that it has fewer of the dank, funky scents that consumers typically associate with cannabis. The predominant odor is a fresh citrus tang with a slight chemical undertone. On closer inspection, there is also a distinct berry aroma. Grinding up the flowers reveal some considerably woody hints of pine. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Morning Star gives off a very smooth and easily palatable smoke. On the exhale, this smoke tastes like a combination of orange and pine, not unlike perennial favorite Jack Herer.

As is typical of many sativa-leaning strains, Morning Star takes effect very quickly. Soon after toking its fruity smoke, users may feel a sudden rush to the head, followed by a pressure around the eyes and temples and an increase in salivation. Once acclimated to these weird sensations, consumers may feel their thoughts take on an intense, cerebral quality, leading the user to dwell on ideas or concepts that might not otherwise interest them. Similarly, Morning Star’s mental activity can provoke a chain of free associations, leading smokers on a train of thought that charges forward in unexpected directions. This kind of brain power can be put to use by accomplishing analytical, complex tasks that require concentration. It can also allow for brainstorming, lifting the usual barriers on creativity and helping minds wander freely. Morning Star also tends to impart physical energy, helping to motivate couchbound smokers to get up and go, whether they need to accomplish errands or simply want to burn off some energy with a buzzed workout. As time passes or as dosage is increased, Morning Star’s indica side starts to creep in, allowing users to breathe more deeply and easily and soothing any lingering muscular tension. While these physically relaxing properties aren’t quite strong enough to immobilize smokers, it may make them think twice about embarking on sudden spurts of productivity. Because of its gradual taper down in energy, this bud is best appreciated between late afternoon and early evening; if it’s consumed just before bed, Morning Star is likely to keep smokers awake and wired.

Morning Star’s versatile effects can have wide application for medical cannabis patients as well. Its long-lasting feeling of focus can aid concentration for those with attention deficit disorders. The bud’s uplifted mood may also temporarily abate the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Meanwhile, the strain’s subtly relaxing properties can dull serious, disease-related pain, as well as everyday annoyances like indigestion and headaches. Because it can create a disorienting feeling of cerebral “mind race,” it is not suggested for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia or who have low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Morning Star do not appear to be available for sale online. Instead, prospective growers should obtain “clones,” or clippings of existing plants of the strain that can be fostered as genetically identical copies. Morning Star can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because it was specifically developed for outdoor growth though, these plants can be resistant to adverse growing conditions like temperature fluctuations. Morning Star flowers within a very brief 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in early September when grown outdoors.

Morning Star is a well-balanced bud that makes a great all-purpose smoke. If you break it out in social situations, be prepared to share, as it fruity, tropical aroma is bound to turn some heads.