I just finished week three of my new job and yet it feels as if I have been there for three months! I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped or looked back since. Helping to fuel my forward motion has been my old friend, Sour Diesel. Sour Diesel, also known as Sour D, is one of the most well known and widely available sativa strains here in sunny Southern Cali. So, I am lucky that wherever I shop, I usually can find it or some hybrization of it .

Sour Diesel is a sativa strain, with very little indica-like elements within its profile, featuring a 90% sativa and 10% indica ratio. Although its lineage has been lost, it is believed to be a cross between the hybrid Chemdawg, the indica Northern Lights, and a hybrid Skunk phenotype. Appearance wise, Sour Diesel’s leaves are a deep green, with calyxes covered in white trichomes and thin hairs. It’s aroma is incredibly distinctive, combining a citrusy, sour pungent odor, like diesel gasoline, with a zesty, earthy taste.

It’s effects were what I was looking for-uplifting, effervescent, promoting creativity and increasing my energy levels. Medically, Sour D has been known to help with fatigue and calms anxiety, making this a great strain for a wake-and-bake. This strain is far superior to the effects of any latte, espresso shot or any average cup of Joe. It wakes you up and then keeps you up.

However, this diesel rocket fuel has a couple of side-effects that if you are a novice you may want to skip this strain. First, Sour Diesel causes notable dry mouth and dry eyes. Next, for some folks, Sour Diesel has been known to cause some levels of paranoia due to the cerebral activity, which can be overwhelming for some. Although Sour Diesel stimulates the mind, enhancing senses, it can also cause one to become easily distracted making it hard to hold a conversation or focus on one thing at a time.

For me, Sour Diesel doesn’t cause the anxiety and restlessness that Jack Herrer causes me to experience. It gives me tons of energy without any anxiety. It gave me the energy and focus this week that I wanted and needed the stimulation of Sour Diesel to help me stay focused and energized. I did not experience any paranoia just laser focused productivity-wohoo!

Balancing out the laser focus of the Sour D was Space Cake. Space Cake is a relatively balanced hybrid strain. In fact, so balanced that different sources disagree whether it is sativa or indica leaning. Space Cake was bred by Bodhi Seeds, by crossing Girl Scout Cookies and Snow Lotus. The aroma and taste is spicy and sweet and it’s appearance is really nothing to write home about.

However, it’s effects were quite notable-bringing peace to mind and body. Such balanced effected are the result of a balance of THC and CBD content. So, initially this strain is uplifting, followed by a heavy sedative state. It is both energizing and calming. Medically, this strain can be used to treat anxiety, pain relief, loss of appetite and stress. And because it is so balanced, it can be used for evening and nighttime use.

I needed to cool my jets and allow myself to just glide for a bit and that is exactly what Space Cake offered me-awake but at peace. It is my hope that you too find that balance in your life and in your weed strains.