Although a Black Russian may not be the most popular cocktail, the indica-dominant hybrid Black Russian has plenty of fans. This strain was developed by Delicious Seeds -- the same breeders responsible for Cotton Candy Kush -- and is a cross between Black Domina and the pungent White Russian. Black Russian offers a sleepy, relaxing high and a pleasantly tropical aroma. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has measured its potency at anywhere from 12% to a whopping 26% THC.
Flowers of Black Russian are visually impressive -- medium to large in size and very colorful. The buds have the densely-packed structure typically associated with indica varieties.
The curly leaves are mossy green and are threaded through with a high volume of hairy yellow pistils. Phenotypes of Black Russian also frequently display shades of purple, ranging from pale lavender to a deep violet. These purple hues come about when pigments called anthocyanins are stimulated by colder than average weather during the growing process. Finally, these already-vibrant flowers are coated with dewy trichomes, making them very sticky to the touch.
When properly cured, Black Russian can give off a whole array of fruity, tropical aromas. A citrus tang mingles with notes of berry and pineapple to give an overall sweet impression. On closer inspection, there are also some distinctly earthy, skunky notes passed on from parent strain Black Domina. Despite this pleasant aromatic profile, Black Russian burns with a harsh smoke when combusted and may trigger some coughing or watery eyes. On the exhale, the rich smoke has a sweet berry taste accented by a bit of spice and skunk.
Black Russian offers what might be described as a creeper of a high, taking several minutes after smokers have savored its taste before effects take hold. Eventually, users will notice a faint tingle in the face and extremities, accompanied by a mounting heaviness in the limbs. As deep breathing happens more easily, tension and stress may evaporate. Smokers may also detect an uptick in mood or an increased appreciation of their surroundings. While this strain may not bring about an intense, analytical mindset, it may sharpen the senses, amplifying sights, sounds, and even tastes. As the high wears on or as dosage is increased, couchlock may take over. This is decidedly a strain best enjoyed at night -- in its later stages, Black Russian can leave its users foggy and spaced-out.
Black Russian’s stoney properties can also have application for medical cannabis patients. It can serve to temporarily numb the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. Analgesic effects can relieve chronic aches and pains while anti-inflammatory effects may take care of everyday annoyances like headaches or indigestion.
In high enough doses, Black Russian can even overcome insomnia, lulling users into a deep and restful sleep. Because it does not tend to encourage intense, recursive thinking, this strain may be a good choice for people who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.
Delicious has made seeds of Black Russian available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Whatever its growing environment, this bud may show some natural resistance to mold and mildew. Plants grow short and bushy with wide lateral branches. Growers should be sure to “top” their crops by tripping any broad, light-blocking fan leaves; this can encourage the proliferation of any flowering nodes growing on lower branches. Those looking to bring out the strain’s bold purple streaks should also expos the plants to cold (but not freezing) temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Black Russian flowers within a short 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in mid September when grown outdoors. It offers a modest yield of about 42 grams (or 1.5 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.
More of a passive indoor strain, Black Russian is great for unwinding after a long day of work. It’s as enjoyable when shared with friends as it is when toked solo for a lazy, therapeutic evening. If you do break it out in a crowd, though, bring enough to share -- its sweet tropical fumes are bound to attract some attention.