If you’ve ever used Critical Plus, then you probably know it from a distance. The potent citrus scent hangs around for so long, it becomes pretty hard to forget – and the effect is incredible as well.
Even if you’ve never had the pleasure, there’s a good chance you know Critical Plus from reputation. This is a popular hybrid strain, with some very famous parents.
Potency
Potency is kind of difficult to nail down with Critical Plus. It has an average THC level of 20%, which is high but not to the level of the really strong strains.
The feeling of it is mostly in the head, with the body buzz being a lot milder. Recommended for users with some experience, novices can find it too much.
What Is Critical Plus Strain?
A balanced Indica/Sativa strain that really brings the effects of both. Critical Plus is a cerebral high with a relaxing body buzz, and a heavy lemon scent.
How Was Critical Plus Developed?
Developed by Dinafem, Critical Plus is a cross of big name strains Skunk and Big Bud. It’s a jewel in the Dinafem collection, having won the coveted Barcelona Highlife Cup in 2005.
It now has a small but devoted following, particularly in America. A balanced hybrid of 50% Indica and 50% Sativa, Critical Plus shows the great quality of her parents, and some special features of her own.
Taste
The taste of Critical Plus is a close mixture of its parent strains, so fans of Big Bud and Skunk will know what to expect. The sweetness of Big Bud is mixed with the, well, skunk of Skunk. But Critical Plus brings her own sharp zest of citrus to the party.
The lemon-lime combination is delicious, and is one of the reasons that Critical Plus is so popular. The earthy pine comes through more when it’s burnt, and there is a slight edge of chemical. But the flavor you’re left with is all citrus.
Odor And Flavor
Some users reckon they can identify Critical Plus immediately from smell alone. That’s because it has an incredibly distinctive, inimitable, lemon citrus aroma. And this smell is potent, it has the ability to stick to the room.
Underneath the sour citrus is that skunk aroma it’s inherited from the parent, with just a bit of pine. When burnt, these earth undertones become much stronger.
This gives the scent that recognizable balance. For fans of Critical Plus, the smell is a big part of what keeps you coming back.
Physical Appearance
Critical Plus matches its citrus tang with a lime green coloring, which is scattered with thick brown strands. It looks almost frosted, thanks to the thick layer of white crystal trichomes.
Grow Info
One of the reasons behind the popularity of Critical Plus is that it’s so simple to grow, and results in a high yield. Even novice growers will find Critical Plus pretty easy to handle.
When grown outdoors, Mediterranean conditions are best, or a greenhouse is necessary. It should be ready to harvest in early October. Indoors can be slightly trickier, just because of the size.
You can see the Sativa and Indica both coming through in the growth of Critical Plus. Sativa makes it tall, and the Indica gives a fast growth.
There are a few things that growers need to be aware of. First, Critical Plus hates moisture, and can develop mold. The quick grow time helps avoid that, but it’s best to be aware.
Second, the smell is pungent. Any nosy neighbors will know for sure what you’re growing unless you invest in odor control.
Effects
When the high of Critical Plus first hits, it feels like Skunk. You’ll find yourself uplifted and chatty, with a bust of creative energy and a focused edge. Talkative and happy, Critical Plus begins as a cerebral high.
From here, the Big Bud comes in. A body buzz starts to roll through the body, taking you on a calming journey with it. This mellows the experience out, but the body high is fairly mild.
You don’t have to worry about couch-lock with Critical Plus. This is a strain that’s best enjoyed in the afternoon or evenings, and ideal for use with friends.
Side Effects
For a strain with this level of THC, there are surprisingly few side effects to using Critical Plus. Dry mouth and thirst are both common, and to be expected. Some users have reported headaches, but this is less likely.
Critical Plus should give feelings of euphoria, but an inexperienced user may feel it more as a rapid heartbeat, or paranoia. People sensitive to THC can also get this side effect. Be careful with evening usage as well, because it can lead to insomnia.
Medical Appointments
Critical Plus has a lot of popularity as a recreational strain, but it’s also a favorite of medical marijuana users. The uplifted focus feeling can be helpful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Critical Plus has also been used to relieve chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, and even migraines. One of the reasons it’s so popular as a medical strain is that couch-lock is unlikely. That means you can use it as a treatment, and still be able to go about your day.
Similar Strains
Critical Plus has been around for a while now, and it has an established reputation. There are several strains that have been cultivated since that can give similar effects. Space Dawg, Purple Elephant, and Hitman OG, are all relatively similar.
If you want something with a taste close to Critical Plus, look for Strawberry Snow Cone, Alien Napalm, and Green Cheese. Growers looking for a strain with the same yield potential as Critical Plus should try Cherry Pie Kush, Pineapple Fields, or Mango Sapphire.
Strain Cannabinoids
The THC of Critical Plus tends to be 20%. However, it can be as much as 23%, so watch out. Critical Plus also has a medium CBD content of 1%. The other cannabinoids are:
- CBC: 0.42 – 0.61%
- CBG: 0.17 – 0.77%
- CBN: 0.08 – 0.2%
- THCV: 0.46 – 0.66%
This website will serve as the ultimate guide and record for various different cannabis strains that are available, from melon gum and golden goat, to wookie and hog strains. There is so much to learn about each strain, and each has its own benefits and medicinal properties.
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