Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise is a balanced hybrid strain with all the sensory appeal that its vivid name promises. This bud was created by the breeding operation Dynasty Genetics as a cross between a Blue Heron male and a female plant of their own Kali Snapple. The result is a colorful and tropical-scented bud with an impressively long-lasting high. Birds of Paradise’s THC content has been measured at between 18% and 24%.

Like their avian namesakes, flowers of Birds of Paradise catch the eye immediately. These buds are medium to large in size and have a roughly conical shape, tapering from a broad base into a pointy tip. The leaves, which come in an array of pale green to blue to faint purple, curl densely inward toward their central stems, giving the buds a mostly indica appearance. Vivid orange pistils twist their way through these impressive flowers, while a high concentration of frosty white trichomes covers all visible nooks and crannies.

Cured flowers of Birds of Paradise give off a fruity citrus aroma, with some discernible notes of orange and pineapple. A closer olfactory inspection may also pick up on some herbal accents as well. When the sizeable flowers are broken apart or ground up, they tend to give off more of an acrid, skunky odor. Burning Birds of Paradise, meanwhile, yields an exceptionally smooth and tasty smoke that’s easy on the lungs. On the exhale, this smoke tastes fruity with a slightly nutty finish.

Birds of Paradise takes flight as soon as consumers have taken in its delicious smoke. Some initial signs of the strain’s action include a reddening of the cheeks and some increased blood pressure around the temples and lower forehead. As smokers become accustomed to these strange sensations, some changes in their thinking become apparent — otherwise mundane concepts (or even objects) may take on a new fascination and complexity. Similarly, a chain of free associations may bring up unexpected associations between seemingly disparate ideas. If you’re so inclined, this cerebral mindset can be a great way to get some work done on both complicated tasks and open-ended personal projects. When shared in social settings, this frenetic mental energy can result in friendly, chatty vibes, even among relative strangers.

As Birds of Paradise’s high wears on, some more embodied effects start to emerge. Users may feel progressive waves of relaxation emanate through the core and limbs, resulting in a relief from any troubling knots of muscular tension. Smokers who may have been engaged in physical labor may find themselves slowing down significantly, while those who are already relaxed in comfortable surroundings may start to lose steam. In high enough doses, Birds of Paradise may even put exhausted consumers to sleep. Because of its slow decline in energy, this strain is recommended for afternoon through evening consumption.

A recreationally versatile strain, Birds of Paradise can also have wide application for medical cannabis patients. Its focused, cerebral onset can be a great concentration aid for those with attention deficit disorders. Its improved mood may also temporarily distract from the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, Birds of Paradise can be an analgesic for all kinds of physical pain, whether related to temporary inflammation or to chronic diseases like COPD or arthritis. As noted, this hybrid may even be a viable treatment for insomnia, lulling relaxed smokers into a deep sleep. Because its mental buzz can take a turn into paranoia in the wrong set and setting, Birds of Paradise is not recommended for those who are prone to panic or who are inexperienced with THC.

Unfortunately for those looking to grow this strain at home, seeds of Birds of Paradise are not available for sale online. Instead, prospective gardeners should seek out mature plants of the strain from which to take clippings. These can be fostered as “clones” and can be grown either indoors or outdoors in a hot, humid climate. While specific best practices for growing this strain are hard to come by, its indica-leaning buds suggest that plants grow short and bushy and may require occasional pruning. The strain’s indica characteristics also imply a relatively brief flowering time of between 8 and 9 weeks.

Birds of Paradise is a great all-purpose smoke whether you’re toking alone or sharing with friends. Its tropical flavor profile makes the strain worth seeking out by terpene lovers.