Sunshine Daydream

Sharing its name with a documentary about legendary stoners The Grateful Dead, Sunshine Daydream is an indica-dominant hybrid that could earn the approval of Jerry Garcia himself. It was produced by prolific breeders Bodhi Seeds as a cross between two down-home strains: the Green Crack-descended Appalachia and a Bubba Kush-hybrid called Bubbashine. Sunshine Daydream offers smokers a hazy way to socialize or unwind after a long day. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found flowers of Sunshine Daydream to have between 17% and 25% THC.

Sunshine Daydream is marked by small to medium-sized buds that hold together in a dense bud structure. The leaves are tightly packed around their stems but are fluffy on their edges, giving the flowers a  ragged, spade-like appearance. Leaves are pale green and are offset by bright yellow to orange pistils, intended to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants. Some phenotypes also show off flashes of deep blue or purple — possibly passed on from grandparent strain Blueberry, these hues are the result of pigments called anthocyanins being stimulated by cold temperatures in the growing process. Cloudy white trichomes coat the flowers, giving them a white sheen and a very sticky texture; it may be difficult to break up the buds without the use of a grinder. The fruity aroma of berries jumps off of Sunshine Daydream’s flowers, but a stinging ammonia tang lurks underneath this predominantly fruity smell. Grinding or breaking open the buds shows off OG Kush’s influence, with more skunky notes. The smoke from this strain can be harsh and acrid, sometimes stinging users’ eyes and often inducing coughing. On the exhale, Sunshine Daydream tastes herbal and leaves behind a lingering, sour-sweet impression.

Sunshine Daydream’s high creeps up slowly. Smokers are lulled into comfort with increasing waves of physical relaxation. A tingling feeling begins in the head and eventually spreads down through shoulders and limbs, often provoking the desire to grab the nearest seat. Soon, users may find that breathing is easier or that muscular tension has evaporated. There are some discernible mental effects as well — true to its name, Sunshine Daydream offers a dreamy mindset that leaves users uplifted and sociable, but more hazy than cerebral and exacting. This soft euphora is right at home in isolated settings, or in small gatherings of familiar friends. Sunshine Daydream can be a great way to unwind in the early evening. If you’re enjoying it during the day, be sure to clear your calendar for a few hours.

Sunshine Daydream’s happy sedation can be valuable to recreational cannabis patients as well. It can temporarily take the edge off of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe everything from normal aches and pains to nausea to migraines. In high enough doses, this strain can also provide relief from insomnia, easing smokers into a deep and fulfilling sleep. Because it doesn’t have much cerebral intensity, Sunshine Daydream may also come with a lower risk of paranoia.

Although it may be difficult to come by in dispensaries, cannabis growers are in luck — Bodhi sells seeds of Sunshine Daydream online; prospective growers can also obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants in order to grow “clones.” This strain can be successfully cultivated indoors or out, although outdoor growing requires semi-humid climates with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoor growing is easily accommodated, as plants have a characteristically short and bushy indica shape. Growers looking to bring out this strain’s purple-tinged bag appeal should also expose the plants to cold (but not freezing) temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Sunshine Daydream flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors. It is known to be a pungent plant, and growers trying to keep their operations discreet should invest in odor-control measures like exhaust fans.

Just the thing for daydreaming in the park on a spring or summer afternoon, Sunshine Daydream offers all the appeal of a euphoric hybrid alongside the dank flavor profile that fans of Bubba and OG Kush fans love. This strain’s heavy, long-lasting body stone can definitely help roll away the dew.