Puna Budder

Puna Budder is a potent hybrid crossed from Hawaiian sativa and Afghani indica landrace strains. Rather than a corruption of “peanut butter,” as you might expect, its name refers to Puna, a region of the archipelago’s big island of Hawa’i. With such prestigious genetics in its background, it’s no wonder that this legendary strain offers a rich aroma and balanced, long-lasting effects. Puna Budder’s THC content has been measured at between 19% and 22%.

Puna Budder is known for producing impressively large flowers that adhere in roughly spherical formations; some phenotypes of the strain are more pointed, with spade-like buds. These flowers appear more indica-influenced on first glance, clinging together tightly in compact and dense buds. The olive green leaves curl tightly inward toward their central stems and are twisted through with brown and orange pistils. Finally, cloudy white trichomes cover the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these nuggets, giving them a very sticky texture and making them difficult to break up without a grinder.

When these buds are properly cured, they give off a sweet, earthy scent that mingles musk with the fragrance of cedar.  On closer inspection, there’s also a less pleasant sour smell that’s almost like rotting or fermenting organic matter. Grinding up buds of Puna Budder yields some pungent hints of skunk. When combusted in a pipe or a joint this strain gives off a harsh, acrid smoke that’s liable to tickle smokers’ sinuses and trigger coughing fits. On the exhale, this thick smoke tastes simultaneously sweet and woodsy.

Puna Budder takes effect relatively quickly, exerting a throbbing pressure around the lower forehead and temples. Within short order, the smoker’s thoughts take on an elevated nature, fixating on a single topic or making insightful connections between other ideas and concepts that might not otherwise come to mind. The loud and sometimes fast-paced mindset that comes with these cerebral effects can be put to use in tackling complicated work-related tasks. Alternatively, Puna Budder’s brainy energy can provide a welcome and self-sustaining distraction for those who have to endure such menial tasks as cleaning or photocopying. As this strain’s high wears on or as dosage in increased, feelings of physical relaxation may gradually set in, with a tingle trickling down the spine and gradually spreading outward through the core and limbs. Thought not knocked out or incapacitated, smokers may find themselves less willing to engage in demanding duties. Fortunately, Puna Budder leaves the consumer’s mind alert — if not exactly motivated — and able to sustain lucid conversation or otherwise engage with the outside world. This eventual balance of mental and physical stimulation makes this a friendly social strain, sparking free-flowing conversation and good vibes wherever it happens to pop up. Because of its slow taper down in energy, Puna Budder is a great strain for enjoyment between late afternoon and early evening.

Puna Budder can also have many applications for medical cannabis patients. The focused mental energy that comes with its onset can be of use to those with attention deficit disorder, helping them to focus on a single task. The strain can also help patients suffering from stress or depression to spend their time more mindfully and consciously. Puna Budder can even soothe pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. Patients who are prone to panic or paranoia should consume this strain with caution, as its cerebral effects can prove overwhelming in the wrong circumstances.

Fortunately for eager home growers, TH Seeds sells seeds of Puna Budder through several digital retailers. Those seeking heritage plant stock can also seek out a reputable source from which to buy clippings that can be grown as clones. Once obtained, Puna Budder can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation typically needs a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These short, bushy plants typically flower within a brief 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and are ready for harvest in late September when grown outdoors.

This fruity, potent bud is a pleasant surprise for indica lovers alike. If you break it out in genial social situations, be prepared for this tropical treat’s signature aroma to draw some attention.