White Urkle

No, this isn’t a reboot of Family Matters with a white actor cast as Steve Urkel — White Urkle is instead a hybrid strain with a balance between mental and physical effects. Developed by OG Raskal Genetics, this bud is a cross between Purple Urkle and the resinous White Fire. It comes with a rich, piney flavor profile and a dynamic high. White Urkle’s THC levels have been measured at between 14% and 23%.

White Urkle is marked by small to medium sized flowers that maintain chunky, tapered formations. These buds have the solid and compact structure associated with indicas, with small leaves that curl tightly inward toward a solid core. These leaves themselves are a pale shade of sage green — and, true to the strain’s name, are made almost white due to high concentrations of trichomes passed on from parent strain The White. Finally, curly orange hairs (which are actually reproductive structure called pistils) twist their way through these sticky nuggets.

White Urkle’s flowers give off a mostly dank, earthy aroma with notes of pine and musk. There also some fresh hints of citrus and berry lurking underneath. Grinding up these buds, meanwhile, can yield more of a skunky tang. When burnt, White Urkle gives off a thick smoke that’s on the harsher side; ingesting this smoke may result in watery eyes or a protracted coughing fit. On the exhale, this smoke tastes simultaneously sweet and sour. Those toking this strain in public may want to take some precautions, as it can be a very pungent smoke.

The high from White Urkle doesn’t take long to set in, hitting smokers with immediate mental and physical effects. It brings a palpable headrush that comes with strange sensations like a throbbing near the temples and flushing in the cheeks. Once they become accustomed to these odd tics, smokers may notice that their thoughts have taken on an elevated or more intense quality, with certain ideas occupying more attention than they ordinarily might. Similarly, consumers’ thoughts may bounce around in free association, thereby revealing some unexpected connections between disparate concepts. This kind of cerebral mindset can facilitate work on complicated, analytical tasks. It can also open up new channels of creativity, allowing for work on more creative less structured pursuits, like brainstorming sessions.

Around the same time that it works its magic on the brain, White Urkle unleashes considerable physical effects as well. A wave of relaxation can become more and more noticeable as it rolls down the neck and spreads out through the core and limbs. Smokers may feel relieved of any muscular tension and can even find themselves breathing more deeply and easily. The strain’s special blend of mental and physical stimulation can be especially good for enjoying activities that require holistic coordination — this includes gaming, exercise, dancing, and even sex. As this high wears on, however, physical effects tend to win out, and smokers can easily become couchlocked. Because of this late-blooming sedation, White Urkle is recommended for late afternoon through evening consumption.

White Urkle’s versatile recreational effects can have a broad application for medical cannabis patients as well. Its early feelings of focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to work consistently on one thing at a time. Additionally, its mood-boosting effects can temporarily minimize the symptoms of stress and depression. Physically speaking, White Urkle can relieve deep-seated aches and pains as well as inflammation-related discomforts like cramps and headaches. In high enough concentrations (and under properly relaxed conditions), the strain can even be an antidote to insomnia, encouraging deep, restful sleep. Because it comes with some risk of obsessive, recursive patterns of thinking, White Urkle should be consumed with caution by those who are prone to paranoia or who have a low THC tolerance.

Unfortunately for home growers, OG Raskal has not made seeds of White Urkle available for online purchase. Instead, those looking to cultivate the strain should seek out mature plants and take clippings, which can be grown as “clones.” White Urkle’s plants may thrive indoors or outdoors in a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. They tend to grow short and bushy and may call for occasional pruning of broad, light-blocking fan leaves. White Urkle flowers within a brief 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

With a heavy, earthy aroma and pleasantly balanced effects, White Urkle will appeal to indica and sativa lovers alike. Its relaxed yet thoughtful mood is just the thing for ending a long, stressful day.