Bubbleberry

Bubbleberry is a balanced hybrid created by Sagarmatha Seeds, a group of Amsterdam-based breeders who have created flavorful strains like Yumboldt. A cross between Bubblegum and favorite hybrid Blueberry, Bubbleberry offers a well-rounded high that combines the best of indica and sativa effects. It also has the full-bodied aroma that you’d expect of parent strain Blueberry. A crowd-pleaser for cannabis novices and veterans alike, this strain won the 1998 San Francisco Bay Area Growers’ Award. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found samples of Bubbleberry to have between 14% and 20% THC.

Bubbleberry sets itself apart with medium to large-sized flowers that are spade-shaped, tapering from a broad base down into a pointed end. The buds cling together in a densely-packed, indica-typical formation. The leaves themselves are a vibrant spring green and are shot through with twisted brown and orange hairs (which are actually pistils, structures meant to catch pollen from male fertilizing plants). A scattering of translucent amber trichomes lends some stickiness, as well as a slightly yellow hue.

When properly cured, Bubbleberry gives off a sweet and fruity aroma. The scent of blueberry mingles with a tangy citrus odor. When the flowers are broken open, they yield some eye-watering, skunky notes. When Bubbleberry is burnt in a pipe or a joint, its scents come together in an acrid, stinky smoke that is likely to induce coughing. On the exhale, Bubbleberry leaves behind a sweet, overripe taste with slight hints of chocolate. This can be a particularly pungent smoke — those looking to keep their toking discreet should take any needed precautions.

The high from Bubbleberry takes hold quickly. Shortly after savoring this strain’s rich, fruity taste, smokers sense a pressure around the eyes and temples. Thoughts may take on a cerebral character and jump from one to the next in free association; for some, this mental stimulation can feel like “mind race.” In the right set and setting, though, users can embrace Bubbleberry’s psychedelic intensity and enjoy its amplified sensory distortion by listening to trippy music or watching an engaging movie. The strain also lends itself to some early productivity, allowing smokers to work on creative or analytical tasks. Within a few hours, this head high devolves into a palpable feeling of body melt: smokers may feel their eyes and jowls droop as limbs feel heavy. This sedated buzz is better suited to spending a night in than being out and about. Couch-lock aside, Bubbleberry’s combination of mental acuity and physical coordination can be a great accompaniment to activities like video games and even sex. This variety is most appropriate for use during the late afternoon or early evening, as its later sedative effects are best enjoyed indoors. A little bit of this bud tends to go a long way, and its effects tend to last longer than average.

Bubbleberry’s wide-ranging effects can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. Its elevation of mood can provide some temporary relief from stress and depression. Its early cerebral nature can also aid those with attention deficit disorders, helping them to focus on business at hand. The strain’s sedative, almost narcotic properties can be an effective balm for deep-seated aches and pains, while its anti-inflammatory properties may relieve more everyday irritations like headaches. In high enough doses, Bubbleberry can combat even stubborn cases of insomnia. Because its onset is associated with intense, recursive thinking, this strain may not be the best option for those who are prone to panic.

Fortunately for home growers, Sagarmatha has made seeds of Bubbleberry available for sale online. It can be cultivated indoors or out, although successful outdoor growing requires a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It flowers within a long 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and typically offers a low yield of about 28 to 33 grams (or 1 to 1.2 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant. Finally, plants can be pungent before they’re even fully mature, and those who’d like to keep their growing operations under wraps should invest in odor control measures like exhaust fans.

Bubbleberry’s balanced effects are fun whether you’re consuming solo or with a group of like-minded friends. If you do bring out your stash around others, be prepared to share, as its unique aroma is sure to attract some attention.