Sour Cream

Although sour cream may be controversial when used as a condiment, the strain Sour Cream has a much more universal appeal. This sativa-leaning hybrid is the product of G-13 Haze and perennial favorite Sour Diesel. It was created by Amsterdam-based breeders DNA Genetics, the same producers who have given us Chocolope and a stabilized cut of Headband dubbed “707”.

Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has measured Sour Cream’s psychoactivity at a steady 17% THC.

Sour Cream is distinguished by impressively large, solid flowers. When cured, they adhere in the dense, heavy bud structure typical of indicas, but have the tapered, conical shape more typical of sativas. The leaves are bright shade of kelly green and have a slightly yellowish tint.

Hairy brown pistils thread themselves through the tightly-packed leaves and amber-colored trichomes dot the flowers’ surfaces, making them particularly sticky and difficult to break up by hand.

The primary aroma of this strain is a skunky musk, tinged with a heady gasoline tang passed on from parent strain Sour Diesel. A sharp citrus odor brightens up these earthy base notes. Breaking open or grinding the nugs yields a funky, faintly cheesy smell. When combusted, Sour Cream is smooth and easy on the throat, although its acrid odors may sting eyes or sinuses a bit. On the exhale, smoke tastes of dank earth and sour lemon.

The high from Sour Cream comes on quickly in the form of a head rush and a mounting pressure behind the eyes and temples. Initial effects manifest as a surge in cerebral focus: sounds and colors may seem sharper or more noticeable and may take on a newly psychedelic nature. As this high progresses, users will detect a creeping tingle that soon spreads through the body as thorough relaxation. Breathing many happen more slowly and easily and any deep-seated muscular tension will evaporate. If dosage is increased, this sedation can graduate into full-on couch-lock. That said, smokers remain lucid and conversational, able to focus on tasks — particularly stressful ones — without the disadvantages and distractions of stress. Because it is neither overly cerebral nor overly sedative, Sour Cream is appropriate for use at any time of day.

This balanced strain has many applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Its relaxing properties may help ease users’ aches and pains, whether they’re incidental (as due to injury) or chronic (as due to conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia). Sour Cream’s anti-spasmodic properties can also lessen the severity of certain seizure conditions. In high enough amounts, this strain’s sedation can be a treatment for stubborn cases of insomnia. Psychologically speaking, Sour Cream’s sustained sense of focus may help those with attention deficit disorders to focus on a single task. Finally, because its sativa nature is grounded out by indica relaxation, the likelihood of paranoia is lower, making Sour Cream a good option for those who are prone to panic or have a low THC tolerance.

DNA Genetics has made seeds of Sour Cream available for commercial sale. In can be grown indoor or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a warm, semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 72 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Like many sativa-dominant strains, Sour Cream has a long flowering time of about 10-11 weeks when grown indoors; it is ready for harvest in late October when grown outdoors. This strain offers growers a high yield for their efforts, giving up about 46 to 55 grams (or 1.6 to 2 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant. It can also be an especially pungent grow, so those looking to keep their indoor operations discreet should invest in odor-control measures like carbon air filters or exhaust fans.

Growers should also take the time to properly cure their carefully-grown buds. Curing involves first hanging the buds upside down for 7 to 10 days in conditions with 50% humidity and temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once stems can easily snap off of the flowers, the dried buds should be sealed in airtight jars in conditions of 60-65% humidity and a consistent temperature around 70 degrees. After they’re jarred, buds should be checked at least daily to ensure that they haven’t developed mold.

Sour Cream strikes the coveted balance between indica and sativa. It’s a great choice for cannabis fans who’d like to concentrate their mental energy while remaining free of the potential anxiety that comes with stronger, purer sativas.