Chocolate Lava

Sharing its name with a popular dessert, Chocolate Lava is a slightly indica-dominant strain. Created by Aficionado Seeds, the same breeders who have given us designer strains like Black Lime Special Reserve, Chocolate Lava is a cross between Chocolate Kush and Hellfire OG. It offers users a rich, complex flavor profile to complement its relaxing high. Chocolate Lava’s THC content has been measured at between 18% and an insane 30%.

Chocolate Lava’s flows are medium-sized and adhere in spade-like shapes, tapering down from a wide base into a pointed tip. These buds have an internal structure that speaks to their indica influence, with a densely-packed core. The strain’s small, broad leaves are a dark shade of forest green and are shot through with some orange pistils. Finally, a high concentration of translucent, icy-looking trichomes cover all visible surfaces of these chunky buds.

When properly cured, Chocolate Lava has an earthy scent, with some definite notes of coffee and cocoa. A closer whiff may pick up on some tangy citrus aromas as well. Grinding up or cracking open these buds, meanwhile, gives off more of a rich, incense-like odor, possibly due to the Kush lineage of parent strain Chocolate Kush. When burnt, Chocolate Lava yields a thick and surprisingly smooth smoke that’s easily on the lungs. On the exhale, Chocolate Lava has a nutty flavor.

Chocolate Lava takes effect soon after ingestion, striking users with a headrush and face-focused sensations like flushing in the cheeks. As these facial tics dissipate, smokers are left in an elevated state and may experience an uptick in cerebral thinking. Thoughts may seem to take on a new intensity or complexity; similarly, users may be prone to pointingin out surprising or unexpected connections between unrelated concepts. This tuned-in way of thinking can facilitate productivity on everything from complicated work-related tasks to freewheeling creative projects. Alternatively, smokers can simply enjoy Chocolate Lava’s persistent head buzz while going about otherwise boring chores or errands. In some cases, the strain’s mental effects can manifest in sensory distortions like mild visual or auditory hallucinations.

After some time, Chocolate Lava’s mental edge is dulled by progressively heavier physical effects. A relaxing tingle that starts at the base of the neck can start to roll down the spine and outward through the core. Although consumers may still be able to maintain concentration and lucidity at this point, the strain’s weighed-down feeling can cancel out any earlier motivation. As such, Chocolate Lava is well-suited to late afternoon through evening toking when it can be fully appreciated.

Chocolate Lava’s versatile properties can have several uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Its initial cerebral energy can be a great way for those with attention deficit disorders to work on one task at a time. Its ability to improve mood, meanwhile, can temporarily improve the troubling symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, Chocolate Lava can soothe all kinds of aches and pains, whether minor and short-term or due to chronic conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties may also lessen the severity of discomforts like nausea and headaches. Because it can bring strong patterns of recursive thinking, Chocolate Lava is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia or panic.

Seeds of Chocolate Lava have not been made available for sale online. Instead, those looking to grow the strain at home should obtain clippings from healthy plants of the strain. These clippings can be propagated as genetically identical “clones” and may be grown indoors or out — although outdoor success depends on a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Judging by their dense, indica-typical flowers, plants are on the short, bushy side and grow strong lateral branches; gardeners may need to occasionally trim back any broad fan leaves that can prevent light and air from block low-growing nodes. Chocolate Lava flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

Chocolate Lava’s well-rounded high makes the strain a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. Its typically high levels of THC can be enough to impress even veteran cannabis consumers.