Belladonna

Belladonna is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a memorable aroma and stimulating, long-lasting effects. Produced by Paradise Seeds, the same growers of Nebula and Delahaze, this fruity bud is a cross between pungent Super Skunk and an unnamed sativa. Belladonna’s effects being with some cerebral concentration and taper off into smooth relaxation. Like the hallucinogenic plant for which it may be named, this strain can also be a particularly psychedelic smoke in the right set and setting. Belladonna’s THC content has been measured at between 14% and 26%.

Somewhat visually underwhelming, Belladonna’s flowers tend to be small when trimmed and cling together in tight, popcorn-like clusters. These buds have the dense, compact structure often associated with indica-dominant varieties, with their leaves curling tightly inward. The leaves themselves are a patchwork of dark and light green and are twisted through with brown (and occasionally red) pistils. Finally, a coating of frosty white trichomes covers these flowers, making them appear almost icy when seen from afar.

When properly cured, flowers of Belladonna have a fruity aroma, with distinct notes of berry and peach. On closer inspection, there is also a dank and earthy base that grounds out these fruity top notes. Meanwhile, grinding the small buds gives off a faint tang of cheese. Belladonna burns with a smooth and easily palatable smoke when combusted in a pipe or a joint. This smoke can carry a cocoa flavor on the exhale and leaves behind a creamy, buttery mouthfeel.

Belladonna’s high takes effect rather quickly, beginning with a pressure exerted around the eyes. Some smokers may also experience a flush in their cheeks. The high tends to affect the head at first lending the consumer’s thought a fast-paced, cerebral quality. Some ideas or external stimuli may occupy more attention that they ordinarily might. As such, in these early stages, the strain can be a good way to focus on complex and analytical tasks. Belladonna can also have the effect of sparking rapid associations in thinking, making it a good way to hasten creative processes like brainstorming or sketching. After an hour or so, Belladonna’s more relaxing properties take precedence. Any prior mental chatter may become more subdued as the body eases into a loose and tension-free state. At this point, changes in the senses, such as feelings of time dilation and a warping of depth perception, may set in and can be boosted by putting on some atmospheric music. Despite this new sedation, Belladonna still leaves consumers’ minds functional and able to follow a conversation or execute basic tasks. As such, this bud is a good option for enjoying a solo binge-watching session or for kicking back after a long day with some good friends. If dosage is increased, couchlock becomes increasingly likely for tired smokers. Because of its gradual decrescendo in energy, Belladonna is best enjoyed during the late afternoon or early evening.

Belladonna’s versatility can also be useful for many medical cannabis patients. It can sustain focus on single tasks for those with attention deficit disorders. It can also temporarily relieve the draining symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, the strain has the ability to soothe pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as caused by conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. Because Belladonna’s onset is associated with cerebral thinking and potential “mindrace,” it is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia or who are very sensitive to THC.

Paradise Seeds has made seeds of Belladonna available through several online retailers. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The strain’s hardy plants can be especially resistant to mold and can thrive in very humid conditions. These plants tend to grow tall and may need to be trimmed back occasionally if cultivated indoors. Belladonna flowers within 10 weeks when grown inside and is ready for harvest in mid-October when grown outdoors.

Belladonna’s multilayered high can be a fun addition to buzzy social situations. The strain’s high resin output also makes it valuable in the production of hash and other THC concentrates.