I-95

I-95 is a hybrid devised by Washington State-based breeders Canna Organix. It is a combination of Florida-born Triangle Kush and an unnamed cross between Stardawg and Legend OG. Bringing a strong, gasoline-tinged aroma and a solid balance between mental and physical effects, this strain is right at home in a variety of settings. Its THC content has been measured at between 19% and 24%.

I-95 is characterized by large flowers that adhere in a conical and somewhat rounded shape, similar to miniature pinecones. Their physical structure leans more indica, with a solid core made up of small, tightly-curling leaves. These leaves themselves are a pale shade of sage green, although occasionally, phenotypes of the strain show off patches of faint to dark purple as well. Finally, dark brown pistils and icy-looking trichomes finish off these eye-catching flowers.

This pungent strain gives off a strong whiff of diesel at first pass. A closer inspection may pick up on some earthy, piney accents as well. When these buds are broken apart or ground up, meanwhile, they can emit more of a skunky odor. Combusting I-95 in a pipe or a joint causes it to burn with a thick and particularly acrid smoke that’s liable to trigger coughing fits or watery eyes. On the exhale, this smoke tastes sour with some lingering chemical-like fumes.

I-95 gets to work quickly, smacking users with a headrush that can result in some flushing in the cheeks or a feeling of pressure around the temples and behind the eyes. As they acclimate to these weird tics, users are granted access to a new plane of thinking. Ideas may seem to move more quickly than usual, helping users to find interest in concepts (or even inanimate objects) that might not otherwise seem worth their time. Similarly, I-95 can spark bouts of free association, with thoughts falling into shifting categories. In social situations, this sense of “mindrace” can lead to talkativeness and camaraderie. For smokers who are properly motivated, it can inspire productivity on everything from analytical tasks to freewheeling creative projects or brainstorms. Those who aren’t feeling quite as productive can simply enjoy this strain’s steady brain buzz as they go about otherwise errands or household chores like laundry or dishes.

After about an hour — or sooner, if dosage is increased — I-95’s mental edge begins to take a backseat to its palpable physical effects. A trickle of relaxation may start to roll down through the spine and outward through the limbs, leading to deep, restorative breathing. Smokers may start to feel a gradual sense of relief from any longstanding muscular tension at the same time that they begin to sink into the furniture. Indeed, in large enough amounts, I-95 can lead to couchlock, leaving users able to do little more than snack or watch TV. Because of its two-phase high, this strain is recommended for late afternoon through evening consumption.

While recreationally enjoyable, I-95 can also have application for medical cannabis patients. For one, the cerebral mood that comes with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorder to stay focused on one task at a time. Additionally, its ability to boost mood can temporarily improve some symptoms of stress and depression. Physically speaking, I-95 can dull aches and pains, whether they’re due to temporary inflammation or to chronic conditions like lupus, fibromyalgia, or arthritis. This strain’s tendency to induce the munchies can also serve as an appetite stimulant for consumers dealing with disease-related cachexia or undergoing invasive treatments like chemotherapy. Because its mental stimulation can veer into paranoia in the wrong circumstances, I-95 is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Although Swamp Boys has made seeds of Horace available online, stock levels do not appear to be regularly renewed. Prospective growers also have the option of seeking out mature plants of the strain in order to take clippings; these clippings can be propagated as identical “clones.” Once obtained, plants can be grown indoors or out. Gardeners who want to highlight I-95’s purple hues should activate the flowers’ anthocyanin pigments by exposing crops to cold (but not freezing!) temperatures, just before flowering begins. The strain reaches maturity within about 9 to 10 weeks.