King Henry VIII

Not to be confused with the similarly royal Louis XIII, King Henry VIII is a hybrid with an even balance between indica and sativa effects. This strain’s breeders and genetic profile are not well-documented; nevertheless, it scores points for a dynamic aroma and a stimulating, well-rounded high. Henry VIII’s THC content has been measured at between 16% and 18%.

Like the Tudor King Henry VIII himself, these flowers are distinguished by a larger-than-average size. The buds adhere in an almost conical formation, tapering down from a broad base into a pointed tip. They also have a distinctly indica structure, with leaves that curl densely inward toward their central stems. These leaves are a pale shade of sea green, with curly orange pistils that provide a visual contrast. Finally, Henry VIII’s buds are crowned with glittering, resinous trichomes that account for the strain’s psychoactivity.

When properly cured, flowers of Henry VIII give off a mostly mossy, vegetal aroma. There are also some hints of citrus lurking underneath. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking apart these king-sized buds yields more of an herbal, sage-like scent, perhaps hinting at descent from sativa favorite Haze. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Henry VIII burns with a heavy and thick smoke that just may induce coughing or watery eyes. On the exhale, this smoke carries a money, earthy flavor.

Henry VIII establishes himself quickly, striking consumers in the same place that the king fatally struck two of his six wives — in the head. Unlike Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, though, smokers are apt to enjoy this heady action. Some initial constriction around the cheekbones and temples eventually gives way to a sense of cerebral activation. Thoughts may jump from one to the next in a kind of open-minded free association. This mental stimulation can allow for extended work on complicated, detail-oriented tasks. It may also lift unconscious inhibitions on creativity, facilitating brainstorming or artistic experimentation. For consumers who aren’t feeling quite so motivated, Henry VIII can simply provide a pleasant buzz that serves as an ideal backdrop for otherwise boring chores like dishes or laundry.

After about an hour (or sooner, if dosage is increased), Henry VIII may exert some palpable physical effects. Progressive tingles of relaxation may roll down the spine and spread outward through the core and limbs. While this feeling may simply relieve muscular tension at first, it can progress into intractable couch-lock, pinning users in place like the late-in-life Henry, whose obesity may have led to a debilitating case of gout. At this stage of the high, lounging around and kicking off a binge-watching session may be all that you want to do. Henry VIII can also stoke the appetite, finding fulfillment in anything from a sumptuous, Renaissance-style feast to a small, store-bought snack. Because of its eventual decline into sedation, Henry VIII is recommended for late afternoon through evening consumption.

This strain’s wide-ranging recreational effects can also have some application for medical cannabis patients. The plugged-in sense of thinking that comes with its onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to focus on a single task. Additionally, its uplifted mood may temporarily improve some cases of stress or depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, Henry VIII may offer relief from both minor and chronic aches and pains. As noted, it may also bring on the munchies, making it a good appetite stimulant for those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from digestive problems. Because its cerebral nature can lead to some obsessive and self-directed paranoia, though, Henry VIII is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who are relatively inexperienced with THC.

Unfortunately, seeds of this rare strain are not available for sale online. Those looking to propagate this royal lineage should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain. These can be cultivated as clones and may thrive indoors or outdoors in a hot and humid climate. While there’s little information available on best practices for growing Henry VIII, its chunky, indica-style flowers suggest that its plants grow short and squat and that they reach flowering maturity within a brief 8 to 9 weeks.

Thanks to a subtle balance between mental and physical effects, Henry VIII is a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. It’s just the thing for unwinding and putting yourself in a regal mindset.