Huckleberry is a well-balanced hybrid with a mysterious backstory. Its parent strains — as well its creator — are unknown, although the strain’s strong berry scent and taste suggest a Blueberry lineage. Whatever its origin, Huckleberry offers a crowd-pleasing aroma and a multi-faceted high that’s as enjoyable while out on an adventure as it is when you’re lounging on your couch. This strain’s THC content has been measured at between 8% and a staggering 26%.

Buds of Huckleberry are small to medium in size and spherical in shape, clinging together in popcorn-like clusters. These flowers have the thick and tightly-packed bud structure often associated with indica-dominant varieties. Leaves are a mossy shade of green and are threaded through with orange to red pistils. Phenotypes of the strain frequently display patches of purple in their leaves, in almost equal proportion to green; these surprising shades are the result of pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genetics. Finally, translucent white trichomes coat the inner and outer surfaces of these flowers, giving them a silvery sheen.

The smell of sweet and tart berries wafts up from cured buds of Huckleberry, lending credence to the theory that this strain is descended from Blueberry. The fruity aroma is devoid of any funky or kush-like scents; there are also no pronounced skunky odors. That said, grinding up or breaking open these dense buds yields some slightly spicy notes, possibly suggesting an Afghani landrace in Huckleberry’s background. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, these flowers burn with a smoke that is almost universally described as harsh and cough-inducing. This smoke tastes fruity and cloyingly sweet on the exhale. Notably, despite its purple coloring, Huckleberry has no detectable grape flavors — this is because, while the strain’s color is determined by its pigmentation, its bouquet is dictated by separate chemical compounds called terpenes.

Huckleberry’s high takes effect quickly, smacking users with a sudden uptick in higher-order processing. This stimulation of cerebral and analytical thinking is met with a strong jolt of energy. As a result, Huckleberry is an ideal strain for getting work done, whether it’s problem-oriented or more loosely-defined and creative. Alternatively, it can provide the motivation needed to accomplish mundane tasks like cleaning. As the high progresses, a mildly disorienting sense of physical relaxation begins to emerge. Smokers may feel a heaviness in the limbs (and eyelids) and a sudden desire to lounge in the closest comfortable surroundings. This combination of mental and physical effects translates into a palpable feeling of euphoria. In its later, more dreamy stages, Huckleberry’s high lends itself to trippy surroundings like atmospheric music or movies. Because of the indica sedation that creeps through on its backend, this strain is recommended for use during the day or the early afternoon.

Huckleberry’s versatile effects can be useful to medical cannabis patients as well. Its sustained feeling of clarity and focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on a single task. Its mood-altering effects can also give patients struggling with stress or depression to gain a fresh perspective and to spend their time more mindfully and consciously. Physiologically speaking, this strain may provide moderate relief from deep-seated aches and pains. In high enough doses, it can work against stubborn instances of insomnia. Because its onset may lead to some intense, recursive thinking, Huckleberry should be consumed with caution by users who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Huckleberry’s mellow, even-handed high is welcome in a wide variety of settings. It can be savored alone or shared with friends. If you do bring this fruity bud out in public, be prepared for its pleasant aroma to turn some heads.