Named for the famous American telejournalist, Connie Chung is an indica-heavy hybrid. This strain is the creation of DNA Genetics as a cross between the ever-popular indica LA Confidential and sativa hybrid G13 Haze. It comes with mellow, woodsy aromatics and a thorough body high. Connie Chung’s THC content has been measured at between 14% and 24%.
Connie Chung’s flowers are on the smaller side, clinging together in tight, popcorn-like clusters. The buds maintain a tapered shape, somewhat like miniature pinecones, and have a characteristically indica structure, with a dense core.
The short, broad leaves are a dull shade of olive green; bright orange pistils provide visual contrast while resinous and cloudy trichomes make the flowers very sticky and account for their potency.
When properly cured, Connie Chung carries a light, sweet aroma reminiscent of herbal tea. A second whiff may also pick up on some deeper scents of musk and pine. Grinding up these little nuggets, meanwhile, may yield more of a skunky funk. When Connie Chung is combusted in a pipe or a joint, it burns with a smooth fragrant smoke that’s typically easy to inhale. This smoke tastes both sweet and earthy on the exhale.
Like many other indica-dominant varieties, Connie Chung’s hugh tends to have a slow and subtle onset. Between 10 and 15 minutes after toking, smokers may pick up on some twitchy feelings of pressure around the temples and lower forehead; some flushing in the cheeks and an increase in salivation are also possible. Eventually, these unfamiliar sensations dissolve and leave consumers immersed in a somewhat disoriented state, prone to sensory distortions like slight visual or auditory hallucinations. This psychedelic headspace can be accentuated by indulging in some spacey, moody music or a visually engaging movie -- in fact, lounging at home in front of a screen may be the only thing you’ll want to do as Connie Chung’s full effects set in.
Besides these trippy sensory feelings and a tendency to think in disjointed, freely-associative ways, Connie Chung doesn’t tend to do much in the way of mental stimulation. As a result, it may not be ideal for working on important, detailed tasks but can be just the thing for kicking off a freewheeling brainstorming session. As the high wears on, this strain’s palpable body high intensifies, weighing down the limbs and core and eventually contributing to entrenched couchlock. These sedative effects make Connie Chung a great strain for winding down at the end of a long work day. Because of its mostly sleepy vibes, this strain is best enjoyed after dark.
This strain’s heavy mental and physical effects can have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its mellow, laid back mood can temporarily soothe the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, or even PTSD. Connie Chung can also relieve physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury or inflammation, or chronic, as due to conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. If users are properly relaxed, high enough doses of the strain can even bring about deep, restful sleep, making it a viable treatment for insomnia. Because it carries a lower than average risk of obsessive and overly cerebral thinking, Connie Chung is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia or who have a low tolerance for THC.
Although DNA Genetics has made seeds of Connie Chung available for sale online, inventory does not appear to be regularly stocked. Those looking to grow the strain at home should obtain clippings from healthy plants in order to propagate clones. These can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime sunlight and temperatures in the 70s (Fahrenheit). Connie Chung’s plants tend to be on the short, bushy side and reach their flowering stage within 8 to 9 weeks. Per DNA Genetics, crops offer a high yield of product once they reach maturity.
With a deep and subdued high and a rich flavor profile, Connie Chung is one indica best saved for luxurious nighttime consumption. It’s enjoyable whether you’re toking alone or sharing the high with likeminded friends.