Catfish

Catfish is a sativa-dominant strain with a funky aroma and an elevating high. Named for its oddly fishy smell, this strain was created in Michigan by breeder Midnight Roots as a backcross of the popular OG #18. Catfish offers smokers upbeat, energetic effects. Its potency earned it the title of Best Sativa in the 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup held in Michigan. The strain’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Catfish impresses right off the bat, with medium to large-sized flowers. These chunky nugs hold together in elliptical shapes and have more of an indica bud structure — likely due to the influence of OG Kush in Catfish’s background — with leaves that overlap as they curl inward toward the central stems. The leaves themselves are a mottled mix of pale and mossy green and are twisted through with vivid orange pistils. Finally, a coating of translucent white trichomes gives these colorful flowers a silvery sheen and a very sticky texture.

When properly cured, Catfish’s most obvious aroma is an astringent chemical odor, reminiscent of ammonia-based cleaning products. There’s also a dank, hashy scent lurking underneath — one that becomes more intense when the buds are broken open or ground up. When Catfish is burnt, these oddly-matched scents combine in a sour and acrid smoke that may make eyes and sinuses water. On the exhale, this smoke indeed carries an oddly fishy flavor.

Catfish hits the smoker right away with a soaring head high. In addition to increasing blood flow to the temples and around the eyes, consumers may experience an increase in salivation. What follows these strange sensations is a discernible increase in energy levels that may make some consumers want to get up and move. As such, this strain can be a good way to start the day or to tackle a long to-do list. It may even inspire some to go for a jog or head to the gym. Catfish also stimulates the smoker’s thoughts, leading them to focus more intently on ideas or concepts that they might not otherwise find interesting. For some, this cerebral mindset can manifest as a fast-moving and freely associative train of thought. This elevated thinking may be useful for executing complex, analytical tasks. This strain isn’t only good for active pursuits — with its generally uplifting and therapeutic energy, Catfish can help to lubricate social situations, where it can spark lively conversation and camaraderie. It can also be fun to toke on while kicking back and listening to a favorite album or starting a binge-watching session. Note that one commonly reported side effect of this buzzy strain is a strong case of the munchies. It should go without saying that Catfish is best consumed during the daytime, when its long-lasting effects can be fully appreciated; it even makes a great wake-and-bake treat. If smoked right before bed, this strain is liable to keep users totally wired.

Catfish’s wide-reaching effects can also be of use to medical cannabis patients. Its constant sense of focus may help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on a single task. The strain’s upbeat energy can also temporarily soothe the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. As noted, Catfish can induce hunger, making it a potential stimulant for those who have lost their appetite to disease or to harsh treatments like chemotherapy. Because its buzzy, cerebral vibes can be too intense for some, Catfish is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of Catfish are not available online. Prospective home growers should obtain clippings of the strain from a reliable source that can be fostered as “clones.” This strain can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers concerned with keeping their operations discreet should invest in odor control measures like carbon air filters, as this can be a very pungent crop. Catfish flowers within 9 to 11 weeks when grown indoors.

A must-try for fans of pure sativas, Catfish provides all-day stimulation. Its positive, uplifting mood makes it the perfect way to enhance a trip to the great outdoors.