Venom OG is an indica-leaning strain with a high that’s as potent — but not nearly as menacing — as its name. Created by Rare Dankness, the prolific breeders who have also developed Ghost Train Haze, Venom OG is a cross between their proprietary Rare Dankness #1 and Poison OG. The strain offers mostly relaxing sedative effects that are therapeutic enough to soothe pain and anxiety yet stimulating enough to enjoy recreationally. Venom OG’s psychoactivity has been measured at between 11% and a whopping 27%.

This strain’s buds range in size from small to medium and cling together in elongated, almost cylindrical shapes. They have the unmistakable structure of other indica-dominant varieties, with leaves curled tightly inward, forming a solid and compact flower. The leaves themselves are a bright spring green and are twisted through with vibrant orange hairs (which are actually pistils, botanical structure meant to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants). A carpet of translucent white trichomes covers the inner and outer surfaces of these nuggets, making them very difficult to break up by hand.

Venom OG’s compact flowers emit an aroma with dominant notes of skunk and damp earth. Hanging out under this musk is a hint of fresh pine. Grinding up or breaking apart the buds, meanwhile, yields some diesel fumes, possibly due to the influence of grandparent strain Chemdawg. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Venom OG burns with a harsh smoke that may induce coughing fits for some. On the exhale, this smoke tastes both piney and skunky.

The active ingredient in this venom is slow to act, with as much as 15 minutes’ lag time between smoking and feeling its effects. Eventually, smokers detect a throbbing around the forehead and eyes, as well as an increased heaviness in the limbs. Some may find themselves able to breathe more deeply and easily as any muscular tension evaporates. Slowly but surely, a full body high sets in, sending waves of relaxation rolling down the spine and outward through the core and limbs. The pervasive worries of the day tend to fade into the background as Venom OG makes the consumer aware of nothing but their immediate surroundings and sensory inputs. Beyond pure relaxation, Venom OG offers some mental distortion in the form of changes to sensory perception. This may entail an intensification of certain sights and sounds or an artificial flattening of depth and perspective. In the right set and setting and with the right group of people, this bud can be a very social asset, inspiring conversation and good vibes. Smokers shouldn’t plan on being productive or accomplishing large amounts of work under Venom OG’s influence, as it’s more likely to leave them cloudy and dazed than cerebrally focused. After a while, couchlock becomes likely, as does sleep. As such, Venom OG is best enjoyed at night — or at least during a particularly lazy day.

Venom OG also has several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its soothing, even-tempered effects can temporarily relieve the troubling symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Physiologically speaking, the strain may also dull deep-seated aches and pains, as well as minor irritations like headaches and nausea. As noted, in high enough doses, Venom OG can counteract insomnia, lulling relaxed consumers into a deep and thorough sleep. Because it’s unlikely to trigger the kind of deep, recursive thinking that can lead to paranoia, Venom OG is a solid option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

You won’t need to bother reaching for an antidote when under the influence of Venom OG. Whether you’re using it to quell stress or to kick back with friends, enjoy the full range of this bud’s long-lasting effects.