Mt Cook

Although it’s named after the highest peak in New Zealand, Mt. Cook is not likely to inspire you to climb a mountain anytime soon. This indica-dominant strain was produced by New Zealand-based Kiwi Seeds and is a cross between Northern Lights, Hash Plant, and an Afghani indica landrace. These three stoney strains combine to produce a luxuriously relaxing — yet sharply scented — bud that’s perfect of an end-of-day treat. Mt. Cook’s potent relaxation earned it the title of Best Indica in the 2008 High Times Cannabis Cup. Its THC content has been measured at between 15% and 23%.

Mt. Cook’s visual appeal leaves something to be desired. The flowers are only small to medium in size and cling together in tight, popcorn-like clusters. These roughly spherical buds have a typically indica structure, densely-packed with small leaves that spiral tightly inward toward their central core. The leaves themselves are a dark shade of forest green and are wound through with brown and yellow pistils. Finally, a high concentration of translucent white trichomes covers all visible surfaces of these flowers, ensuring Mt. Cook’s potency.

When properly cured, the dominant aroma wafting up from buds of Mt. Cook is a lemon-lime tang. On second inspection, there’s also a strong hit of chemical astringency, similar to ammonia-based cleaning products. Meanwhile, grinding up the pebbly flowers gives off the spicy, hash-like perfume that’s so characteristic of parent strain Afghani. When burnt, Mt. Cook gives off a harsh and acrid smoke that can sting the palate and lead to a coughing fit. On the exhale, this thick smoke carries a mix of citrus and diesel flavors.

Mt. Cook can be a creeper, taking up to 10 to 15 minutes after smokers have finished coughing on the bud’s harsh plumes of smoke before it takes effect. As consumers settle into the effects, muscular tension begins to dissipate while breathing can happen more deeply and easily. Some odd cognitive phenomena can take effect at this bud’s onset, too. Sensory perceptions can become very distorted, with an amplification of certain colors and sounds and a strong feeling of time dilation being commonly reported side effects. Those looking to take advantage of such trippy leanings can set a psychedelic mood by turning on some spacey music or a visually engaging movie. Otherwise, Mt. Cook does little to stimulate the brain, instead slowing down the consumer’s reaction time to cues or stimuli. As such, this is not the best option for enhancing productivity on complicated, work-related tasks. Instead, use this bud as an excuse to lay in bed or to kick off a long nesting session on the couch. As time passes or as dosage is increased, by warned that Mt. Cook has the power to pin its consumers in place, content to kick back and daydream as the outside world recedes into oblivion. Because of its mostly kicked-back sedative vibes, Mt. Cook is recommended for nighttime consumption — or for daytime consumption on a day when you have nothing else to do.

Mt. Cook’s relaxation can be of use to medical cannabis patients as well. Its mellow euphoria can temporarily abate the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also kill physical pain, whether it’s deep-seated and chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia, or temporary, as due to injury. Mt. Cook’s anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe everyday irritants like indigestion or headaches. In the proper surroundings, this strain can even work against trenchant cases of insomnia. Because it is not very cerebral and therefore not likely to trigger bouts of recursive thinking, Mt. Cook is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

Seeds of Mt. Cook are available directly through breeder Kiwi Seeds. Once obtained, it can be cultivated indoors or out, although success outdoors requires a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The strain is known to be a forgiving grow for newcomers and may be resistant to adverse growing conditions. It flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a yield of about 37 to 46 grams (or 1.3 to 1.6 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Mt. Cook’s subdued properties make it a must-try for diehard indica connoisseurs. It’s also a great gift for cannabis nerds who like to sample internationally-grown buds.