Hawaiian Punch

Hawaiian Punch is a pure sativa that delivers a knockout of wired cerebral energy. It is derived from a Hawaiian sativa landrace and was stabilized by Sagarmatha Seeds, the same Amsterdam-based breeders responsible for Bubbleberry and Yumboldt. With a tropical citrus flavor and a strong, long-lasting high, Hawaiian Punch deserves a spot on any sativa lover’s bucket list. Its psychoactivity has been measured at between 15 and 25% THC.

Hawaiian Punch is marked by medium-sized flowers that have an elongated, almost cylindrical shape. These wispy buds have the loose structure often associated with sativas. Leaves are fluffy and can be easily torn away from their central stems. The leaves are a mossy shade of green and are shot through with curly light yellow and orange pistils. Icy white trichomes blanket the flowers, accounting for the strain’s psychoactivity and giving them a sticky texture; because of its high resin production on top of its soft, loose structure, Hawaiian Punch may be difficult to break up without a grinder.

Like the packaged fruit juice of the same name, Hawaiian Punch smells bright and tangy. Tropical notes of melon and pineapple waft up from the cured flowers, mingling with a sharp lemon zing. Refreshingly for those who are used to smoking indicas or hybrids, this strain is devoid of dank, skunky aromas. When combusted it burns with a smooth, easy smoke and tastes like clean citrus on the exhale. Tokers should enjoy this strain in a joint or a freshly-cleaned pipe to properly savor its unique taste.

Hawaiian Punch has a high that hits right away, indeed punching users with the force of its sativa energy. Smokers detect an initial pressure around the eyes and temples, accompanied by a sudden increase in rapid thought association. What follows is a strong, long-lasting feeling of focus that’s great for concentrating on complex analytical tasks. This positive, clearheaded feeling can also illuminate mundane chores like cleaning or grocery shopping. For some, Hawaiian Punch’s rapid “mind race” can be disorienting, but in the right set and setting, it can provide a positive psychedelic experience and an alternately introspective and awestruck attitude. For those who feel the need to burn off this strain’s surge of energy, active physical pursuits are encouraged. The strain’s sense of wonder can be right at home during an extended hike. It can also bring intense new dimensions to activities like exercise and sex. Unburdened by couch-lock or heavy sedative effects, smokers report a sustained euphoria that can facilitate sociability and free-flowing conversation with like-minded (or similarly intoxicated) friends. Hawaiian Punch’s effect are said to be particularly long-lasting, even for experienced cannabis consumers. A consummate, wake-and-bake strain, this bud is best enjoyed during the day, as its buzzy effects will likely keep users awake at bedtime.

Hawaiian Punch can have several applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Its ability to engender deep focus can aid those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on single tasks. Its mood-elevating properties can temporarily alleviate the acute symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physiologically, the strain’s anti-inflammatory properties may relieve everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. Because of its patterns of intense, recursive thinking, Hawaiian Punch is not recommended for those who are prone to panic or anxiety or who have a low THC tolerance.

Although Sagarmatha has listed seeds of Hawaiian Punch for sale online, their availability is inconsistent. Home growers may need to obtain clipping of the strain from a trusted breeder in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” It can be grown indoors or out in warm, semi-humid climates. Because of this strain’s hardy genes, perfected over generations of selective breeding, Hawaiian Punch may actually fare better and producer higher yields outdoors. Grown indoors, the plants can reach very tall heights if untamed; growers should train them by trimming and pruning back branches early on in the vegetative stage. This sativa flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a yield of about 33 grams (or 1.2 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Like Jamaican and Thai, Hawaiian Punch is a testament to the power of indigenous cannabis plants. Its potency is a gift to cannabis veterans and a strong initiation test for relative newcomers.