The Cough

Don’t plan on flying under the radar with this potent strain — in addition to being rather pungent, it’s likely to trigger a short coughing fit. Nevertheless, The Cough is valuable for its upbeat and long-lasting effects. The Cough is a cross between staple strains Northern Lights #5 and Haze and carries a strong, lemon-tinged aroma. Its THC content has been measured at between 15% and 22%.

When trimmed from their plants, flowers of The Cough are only small to medium in size and maintain a chunky, roughly spherical shape. The pebbly buds have a decidedly indica structure, with small leaves that curl tightly inward toward their central stems. The leaves themselves are a dark shade of forest green and are twisted through with brown and orange pistils. Finally, glassy trichomes dot the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these dense nuggets, making them difficult to break up without the use of a quality grinder.

When flowers of The Cough are properly cured, they give off a strong lemony scent. Hanging out underneath is a more fresh, pine-like odor that mingles with these citrus notes. Grinding the buds up, meanwhile, yields and almost medicinal, herbal character that fans of parent strain Haze might find familiar. True to its name, The Cough gives off a harsh, throat-tickling smoke when combusted in a pipe or a joint. This thick smoke carries a slightly chemical lemon flavor on the exhale, reminiscent of artificially-scented cleaning products. Smokers who are trying to keep their consumption discreet should beware that this strain can be especially pungent.

The Cough begins working very quickly, exerting an increase of blood flow to the head. This rush can result in odd sensations like a flushing in the cheeks or even an increase in salivation. Once smokers acclimate to these symptoms, though, they’ll find that their mental processes have been elevated, with thoughts seeming to take on a new gravity or intensity. Ideas or concepts may also jump from one to the next in unexpected new associations. This kind of mental hyperactivity can be a fun way to inspire conversation and good vibes in buzzy social settings. Those who are able to harness its cerebral energy may also be able to work on complicated analytical tasks that require close concentration. Alternatively, consumers who are feeling less intellectually productive can use The Cough’s illuminating high to distract from the mundane nature of chores like doing the dishes or cleaning the house. As time passes, this strain’s mental energy tends to persist and is not typically tamped down by any strong physical sedation. While smokers may feel some relief from physical tension as dosage is increased, this may be due to loss of inhibition rather than to any sort of indica body stone. The Cough’s possible combination of physical relaxation and mental clarity can make the strain a particularly good way to enhance holistic, body/brain-centered activities, including gaming, exercise, and (given the right kind of company) sex. Because it is more active than drowsy, The Cough is recommended for wake-and-bake or for afternoon through early evening use. If consumed just before bed, it’s likely to keep smokers wired and awake.

The Cough can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. Its ability to rein in focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on a single task. Its mood-enhancing properties may also temporarily lessen the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physically, some anti-inflammatory effects can take care of everyday annoyances like headaches and cramps. The Cough may also stoke the munchies, making it a good appetite enhancer for those who have lost their hunger to treatments like chemotherapy. Because of its cerebral intensity, this bud is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia or who have a low THC tolerance.

Seeds of this strain are not available for sale online; instead, home growers should seek out a trusted source for clippings of existing plants that can be grown as “clones.” The Cough thrives indoors or outdoors in hot, humid climates. When cultivated indoors, it can be especially resistant to mildew. The Cough has a very long flowering time of up to 12 weeks. Fortunately, though, it rewards patient gardeners with a very high yield of flowers.

The Cough is a must-try for sativa lovers. If you’re breaking it out in public, be prepared for the strain’s distinctive aroma to turn some heads.