Four way

Four Way is a mostly indica hybrid whose name alludes to its four grandparent strains: the indica landraces Afghani, Indian, and Pakistani, and pungent Skunk #1. This combination of genetics yields a bud with a bold aroma and some serious potency — Four Way brings a deeply sedative high and dank, hashy flavors. Four Way’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Four Way’s impressive flowers stand out with a larger than average size and a pronounced conical formation. The tapered buds have a decidedly indica structure, with small leaves that curl inward toward their central stems. These leaves themselves are a yellowish green and are punctuated by several curly orange hairs — which are actually pistils, structures meant to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants. Finally, a very high concentration of sticky, cloudy trichomes covers these buds, account for their high THC levels.

A first whiff of Four Way may result in a sneezing fit, as it can pick up on some strong notes of black pepper and other spices. Hanging out underneath this zing is more of an earthy scent, similar to pine needles or damp soil. When Four Way’s flowers are broken apart or ground up, they can give off the odor of sandalwood and hash, a testament to the Afghani in the strain’s lineage. Burning these buds in a pipe or a joint gives off a thick, acrid smoke that’s liable to tickle the palate and cause coughing or watery eyes. On the exhale, this smoke tastes earthy and mildly skunky.

As is often the case with predominantly indica strains, Four Way’s high can move slowly, taking as long as 10 or 15 minutes before it begins to manifest. Eventually, smokers may notice some head-focused sensations like an increase in salivation or a feeling of constriction around the temples. As these tics dissolve, though, consumers are immersed in a warped, dreamy headspace. External stimuli may be prone to all kinds of sensory distortion, with consumers experiencing phenomena like a flattening of visual depth or a trippy sense of time dilation. Those who enjoy these effects can amplify them even further with some moody background music. Other than these strange sensory distortions, Four Way doesn’t do much in the way of mental stimulation and smokers looking for a bout of productivity should look elsewhere.

Within an hour, Four Way’s physical properties — subtle at first — become more and more prominent. A tingle that originates in the neck may start to trickle down through the spine and core, allowing consumers to breathe more deeply and easily and untying any knots of muscular tension. Those who are lucky enough to be toking at home may feel themselves start to melt into their immediate surroundings. At this point, Four Way is a great way to unwind, whether you’re engaging in rambling, giddy conversation with friends or just daydreaming at home alone. Because of its mostly lazy vibes, this strain is recommended for nighttime consumption — or at least during the daytime when you have no other obligations.

Four Way’s soothing, laid-back properties can also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. For one, it can temporarily take the edge off of symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. This strain can also regulate physical pain, providing relief for chronic, disease-related aches as well as temporary inflammations like cramps and headaches. The strain’s tendency to bring about the munchies can also make it a powerful appetite stimulant for those suffering from diminished hunger, whether due to disease or to side effects of treatments like chemotherapy. In totally relaxed conditions, Four Way can even facilitate deep sleep, making it an antidote to insomnia. Because it brings little to no risk of obsessive, cerebral thinking, this strain is a good option for patients who are prone to paranoia or who have a low THC tolerance.

Those looking to grow Four Way at home can conveniently purchase seeds online. Once obtained, the strain can be grown indoors or out, with successful outdoor cultivation depending on a humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Plants have a characteristically indica silhouette, with a short, bushy stature and strong patterns of lateral branching. Four Way flowers within a short 7 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for outdoor harvest around late September or early October.

A must-try for indica fans, Four Way is an excellent way to cool down after a stressful day. Its patchwork of genetics may make the strain of particular interest to landrace connoisseurs.