Outer Space

Outer Space is a sativa-leaning hybrid whose name hints at where it might send you. Said to be a cross between the pungent Island Sweet Skunk and potent sativa Trinity, this bud provides long-lasting mental stimulation that’s great for daytime activities and creative pursuits. Outer Space’s THC levels have been measured at consistently high levels of between 19% and 21%.

Outer Space impresses with medium to large sized flowers that maintain chunky, irregular shapes. These buds have a characteristically indica structure, densely packed at their core and composed of small, tightly-coiled leaves. These leaves are a bright shade of spring green and are twisted through with vivid red and orange hairs — which are actually pistils, botanical reproductive structures meant to catch pollen. Finally, all visible nooks and crannies of Outer Space’s flowers are coated in translucent white trichomes, making them very difficult to break up without the help of a grinder.

When properly cured, flowers of Outer Space give off a pleasant floral aroma that may have some herbal hints of sage or lavender as well. A closer inspection may also pick up on some fruity notes of berry and orange. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking open nuggets of Outer Space can yield the tangy odor of skunk. When it is combusted in a pipe or a joint, the strain gives off a smooth and fruity smoke that can be easily ingested. On the exhale, this smoke taste unambiguously sweet.

It’s not long before this otherworldly strain begins transporting its smokers out of their immediate surroundings. Within a few minutes of toking, consumers may feel a sudden throbbing around the temples and eyes, as well as some possible stimulation of the salivary glands. As these strange tics become more familiar, Outer Space reveals the full extent of its head high. The user’s state of mind amy feel quickly elevated, with certain ideas (or even objects) taking on a newfound fascination. Additionally, a kind of categorical, freely-associative thinking can cause thoughts to jump quickly from one to the next. This cerebral state can be an effective way to power through detailed analytical tasks as well as to work on more openended creative projects. Those who don’t feel quite as motivated, though, can simply enjoy this bud’s open-minded energy while contemplating the greater mysteries of the universe.

As this high progresses, some physically embodied effects may take over. Smokers who may have been active may find themselves slowed down and more willing to lounge on the couch than to be out and about. While Outer Space’s initial mental high persists, it may be somewhat clouded over by a kind of sensory distortion in which smokers experience visual distortions or an ineffable feeling of time dilation. Thanks to its mostly upbeat vibes, Outer Space is recommended for daytime or late afternoon consumption; if toked at night, it’s liable to keep users wide awake.

Outer Space’s mentally acute and physically relaxing effects can have some applications for medical cannabis patients also. The cerebral sense of concentration that comes with its onset can enable work on single tasks for those with attention deficit disorders. Additionally, the strain’s buzzy and pleasant energy can temporarily elevate mood for those dealing with moderate stress and depression. Outer Space can also dull physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. The strain’s tendency to induce the munchies can even work as an appetite stimulant for those who have lost their hunger due to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. However, because it can result in some recursive patterns of thinking, Outer Space is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia or panic.

Unfortunately for home growers, seeds of this rare strain are not readily available online. Instead, those looking to cultivate Outer Space should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain. Plants can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The strain’s indica-looking flowers suggest that its crops grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching; gardeners may want to occasionally trim away any light-blocking fan leaves to encourage the growth of flowering nodes throughout the plant. This strain reaches maturity after about 9 to 10 weeks.

Thanks to its multilayered properties, Outer Space is a solid smoke for indica and sativa lovers alike. Its ability to induce deep thinking and awe makes it a great option for late-night stargazing.