Narnia

Narnia is a bold, richly-flavored hybrid whose mind-bending effects will have you exploring your house for secret passages to another world. This strain capitalizes on some world-class genetics: it’s a cross between classic hybrid Jack Herer and potent sativa Trainwreck. Created by Soul Shine Cannabis — Washington state-based breeders who have created inventive strains like Himalayan Blackberry — Narnia has an upbeat sativa energy that makes it a great daytime smoke. Narnia’s potency has been measured at between 19% and 25% THC.

Narnia’s medium-sized flowers cling together in popcorn-like formations and hold a dense, indica-typical bud structure. The tightly curled leaves are a dark shade of forest green and are threaded through with vibrant yellow pistils. Glassy white trichomes coat the inner and outer surfaces of the buds, making this strain very sticky and particularly difficult to break up without the convenience of a grinder.

When cured properly, flowers of this strain have the unique combination of fruit and spice that makes parent strain Jack Herer so popular. On first inspection, the buds have a simultaneously spicy and citric aroma, much like an orange studded with cloves. Although citrus is the primary smell, Narnia also has some sweet berry notes hanging out underneath. Meanwhile, breaking up or grinding the nugs yields a distinctly hashy scent. When burnt, Narnia gives off smoke that is rich and lung-expanding, but surprisingly smooth. On the exhale, it leaves behind the lingering tastes of pine and sugar — the overall impression is similar to sap or maple syrup.

Narnia’s effects are immediately obvious, taking hold as a bracing pressure around the eyes and temples. Perception of external stimuli may be significantly altered, resulting in some visual distortions or even slight auditory hallucinations. This sensory enhancement can be a great way to enjoy some of your favorite foods, as taste can also take on an entirely new dimension. Many fans of the strain also report an uptick in cerebral activity, characterized by freely-associative thinking and stimulating conversation. As users adjust to this altered state, they may find themselves in a suddenly euphoric and sociable state. Narnia’s burst of energy persists for the duration of the high. Users may find the motivation needed to plow through a lengthy to-do list. Some may even use the strain as an accompaniment for a trip to the gym. A quintessential wake-and-bake variety, Narnia may not be the best choice for use just before bed, as it can leave smokers especially wired.

Narnia may also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. While it has some anti-inflammatory properties that can be good for anything from headaches to nausea, uses are primarily psychological. The strain can be a good treatment for mild to moderate cases of stress and depression, temporarily distracting patients from their troubling symptoms and helping them to spend time more consciously and mindfully. Its sustained sense of focus can also aid those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on single tasks. Because of the potential for mindrace and stressful recursive thinking in the early stages of its high, Narnia may not be the best choice for those who are prone to panic or anxiety.

Breeders Soul Shine have not released seeds of Narnia for commercial sale. As such, prospective growers of the strain will need to obtain clippings of mature, healthy plants in order to grow genetically identical clones. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. There is limited information available on best growing practices for Narnia, but we know that both of its parent strains can grow tall and spindly, especially in the flowering stage — growers can keep crop heights manageable by trimming and pruning branches early in the vegetative stage. We also know that parent strains have a long flowering time of about 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors.

Although very popular in the Pacific Northwest, Narnia may be difficult to find elsewhere. If spotted, it’s worth picking up as much for its energizing and motivating effects as for its unique herbal flavor profile. Although a hybrid, this strain may be particularly attractive to sativa fans who can use it to socialize, work, or even enjoy the great outdoors.