Lucy

Lucy is a potent strain with something for everyone. Created by the prolific Reserva Privada, purveyors of Haole, Lucy is cross between recreationally-popular L.A. Confidential and the more medicinal Luca Brasi. Reserva Privada has specifically bred this strain for high levels of CBD, a cannabinoid that tends to be more physically therapeutic than mind-expanding. Nevertheless, Lucy contains some THC, making it psychoactive as well. This strain confers a balanced high that is both physical and mental, clearing anxious, overactive minds and inspiring creativity. Lucy’s CBD content is typically between 8 and 10%, while its THC content averages between 15 and 20%.

Lucy’s flowers range in size from medium to large and hold spade-like shapes, tapering from a broad base down to a pointed tip. These buds have a characteristically indica structure, with leaves curled tightly inward toward their central stems. These densely-packed leaves come in earthy shades of green and brown. Finally, a coating of translucent white trichomes makes Lucy’s flowers sticky and frosty-looking.

When her buds are properly cured, Lucy’s scent is mostly earthy with some sweet floral notes. Hanging underneath is also a woodsy hint of fresh pine. Meanwhile, breaking open or grinding up these dense flowers yields a rich, hashy odor that brings to mind Lucy’s grandparent landrace Afghani strain. An herbal, minty scent becomes prominent as this bud is burned. The smoke feels smooth on the inhale and earthy and sweet on the exhale.

Lucy reveals her sativa side first. Users note that the high takes effect quickly and begins as a tingle around the eyes and temples. This sensation gives way to an altered perception of external stimuli — certain sights and sounds can take on a new dimension, seeming more interesting than they ordinarily might. Many smokers also report an uncanny feeling of time dilation. These trippy effects can be disorienting for some, but in the right circumstances can be savored via atmospheric movies, music, or other engaging art forms. Lucy’s head high is more spacey than exacting and cerebral, and may not be very useful for accomplishing a mountain of work. Instead, look at this strain as a fun way to kick back with some friends at the end of a long day or week of work.

Eventually, the strain’s high becomes more physical as waves of relaxation spread down from the neck, through the core and extremities. At this point, any lingering muscular tension is eased, as breathing happens more deeply and easily. Limbs and eyelids may begin to feel heavy, leading some to seek horizontal relaxation in the closest comfortable surroundings. In the right set and setting, this sedation gives way to couchlock and, with increased dosage, a deep, restful sleep. Because it starts off energetically and ends with sleepy, full-body relaxation, Lucy is recommended for consumption in the afternoon to early evening. If enjoyed right before bed, it’s likely to keep smokers wired or jumpy.

Lucy’s versatility gives it several applications for medical cannabis patients. Lucy’s high levels of CBD can be an uncommonly effective analgesic for pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. This palliative CBD can also help treat inflammatory annoyances like headaches, as well as more serious, spasm-related disorders. Psychologically speaking, the strain’s thoughtful yet grounded effects can serve to lessen the severity of mild to moderate stress, depression, and anxiety. As noted, Lucy is also useful for those suffering from insomnia. This well-engineered strain’s balance between CBD and THC makes her a good option for patients who are prone to panic and paranoia or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Although Reserva Privada seems to have made seeds of Lucy available for sale in the past, prospective growers may now need to obtain clippings of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.”  This strain can be grown indoors or outdoors, and is considered genetically resistant to disease. Lucy’s plants are short and bushy, with strong horizontal branches. Although crops flower quickly — within seven to eight weeks when grown indoors — Lucy’s yield is relatively low, with calyxes growing in sparse, spaced-out formations. Growers are advised to consistently trim the large fan leaves that form at the tops of plants in order to encourage as much flowering as possible.

A prime example of effective legal breeding, Lucy is a therapeutic strain for medical and recreational users alike. If spotted on dispensary shelves, she’s worth snatching up for her potent and long-lasting effects.