Viper

Viper is a sativa-leaning hybrid with a serious sting. This strain has exceptionally strong landrace genetics on both sides, descended from a strain native to Burma and from a Mexican sativa. These parent strains impart an extremely buzzy, cerebral high and a unique citrus scent. Viper’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 20%.

Viper makes its appeal clear right off the beat, with exceptionally large and solid flowers. These buds have an elongated, rounded shape, somewhat resembling bullets. They adhere in a relatively loose and fluffy structure, as is characteristic of sativas. The olive green leaves are twisted through with curly brown and orange pistils and are finished off with a thick coating of translucent white trichomes, accounting for the strain’s high psychoactivity.

When properly cured, Viper carries a tangy and slightly astringent scent of orange, somewhat like artificially-scented cleaning products. There’s also a grassy, herbal undertone reminiscent of sage. Grinding up the buds reveals strong notes of hash and spice, possibly due to the strain’s Southeast Asian lineage. When burnt, Viper gives off a very smooth and easily palpable smoke. On the exhale, this smoke tastes like citrus and pepper.

Viper doesn’t need much time before it strikes with strong, head-focused effects. Shortly after breathing out its orange-tinged smoke, smokers may feel a rush of blood to the head, characterized by a sudden pressure in the temples; an increase in salivation is also sometimes reported. What follows is a sudden change in the user’s thinking, with thoughts moving more quickly and jumping around in free association. These activated mental effects make Viper a great strain to enjoy while working on complex, work-related tasks, as well as on more open-ended creative projects like brainstorming. This bud’s ability to amplify internal monologues also makes it a good way to spark conversation in social settings. Viper’s buzzy effects tend not to be tempered by any strong physical sedation. Even as time passes or as dosage is increased, the strain’s energy persists. Those looking to take advantage of this surge inattentiveness can use the high to get out the door and run errands or simply to stay at home and clear or organize.

Alternatively, Viper’s physical high can be burnt off with some light exercise, dancing, or in the right set and setting, sex. This highly-charged bud’s effects are as enjoyable when savored alone as they are when shared with some like-minded friends in a party setting. Because of its entirely upbeat, active vibes, Viper is not a strain to consume before bed, as it’s almost guaranteed to leave you hyper and agitated. Instead, toke on this strain when you need a boost. It can be especially fun to enjoy as a wake-and-bake treat, paired with your morning coffee.

Viper’s upbeat effects give it several applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Its lasting feeling of focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to stay tuned in to a single task. Its mild euphoria can also help to take the edge off of mild to moderate stress and depression. Viper can also soothe some physical pain — its anti-inflammatory properties may help with headaches, nausea, and cramps. Because its onset is associated with some strong, recursive patterns of thinking, Viper is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia, or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Seeds of this potent strain do not appear to be available for sale online. Instead, prospective growers should obtain clippings from a trusted source from which to grow clones. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with Mediterranean-like temperatures. Thanks to the strain’s sativa heritage, plants tend to grow taller than average and may need to be trimmed back in order to fit in limited indoor grow spaces. Viper flowers within a long 10 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in mid-October when grown outdoors.

With as much potency as it has bag appeal, Viper is a strain worth seeking out in dispensaries. If you’re lucky enough to come across it, it can enhance daytime activities ranging from an outdoor hike to an afternoon taking care of things around the house.