Also known as Raskal OG and Raskal OG Kush, this strain was created by crossbreeding OG Kush and San Fernando Valley (SFV) Kush. This makes it a hybrid strain, meaning that it is a mixture between indica and sativa varieties.
Despite being a hybrid strain, it is sativa that is dominant and the ratio of sativa to indica is around 6:4. It has an average THC level of around 18% but it can be higher, sometimes around 22%.
Origin
Raskal was bred by Cali Connection and the name Raskal OG (by which it is also known) comes from one of its parent strains: OG Kush. ‘Raskal’ comes from its loveably roguish quality – it’s a strain for good times and good fun.
As far as we can tell, there is no connection to Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment!
Strain Appearance
Raskal’s buds are fairly densely packed and contrast in colour between patches of a deep, forest green and lighter green shades. There are also small speckles and curls of a woody, hay brown in there too.
Strain Flavor
Super tasty. All this is also evident in the taste, which will put you in mind of deep musk. All in all, with its delicious combination of different floral elements, it’s kind of similar to some of the fancier gin cocktails you can get.
Strain Aroma
Raskal boasts a rich, lemon scent, which is probably what you’ll notice first. But then, you’ll notice that it’s perfectly complemented by a wonderful, fragrant earthy note and finally balanced perfectly by a hint of pine (particularly noticeable when you exhale).
This is down to its combination of terpenes (detailed below) which make it one of the most interesting smelling strains available right now.
Strain Cannabinoids
The THC levels in Raskal range from around 18% (the average) up to 22% or even higher, depending on how it’s grown. By contrast, CBD levels are low, under 1%.
Strain Terpenes
Terpenes are compounds found within many kinds of plants that contribute to the scent they give off (think about that distinctive smell of fresh lemon peel for a great example).
However, they’re particularly relevant when we’re talking about cannabis plants as these kinds of plants have way higher levels of terpene than most other plants.
The main terpene present in Raskal is limonene. You might have already guessed from the name that this is the terpene that gives citrus fruits (like lemons) their easily-recognizable smell. It can also be found in juniper berries and even some cleaning products that try to imitate natural scents.
It brings a fruity aroma, with hints of wood and pine. It’s also good for relieving stress, giving a pleasant, not too strong, not too mellow energy and putting you in a good mood.
The second most prominent terpene in this strain is myrcene. This is actually the most common terpene found across the different strains of bud on the market and gives more of an earthy, peppery kick. It’s also found in botanicals like lemongrass and thyme and gives a mild to moderate chill feeling.
The other prominent terpene in Raskal is caryophyllene. This is what provides the spicy, peppery hit in spices like cinnamon and cloves, and it will do the same for the flavor of your weed. You can expect it to be just what the doctor ordered for all your relaxation and anxiety relief needs as well.
Strain Side Effects
Some people report getting a dry mouth and dry eyes if they overindulge a little with this strain. With higher amounts, some dizziness is also possible.
The high THC and low CBD content also means that some people (although still a fairly small number) report paranoia. While there isn’t a need to worry too much about negative side effects, you might want to take it easy if you’re inexperienced.
Medical Benefits
When it comes to the medical benefits of this strain, we’re happy to report that there are several.
First of all, a lot of smokers have reported that this strain is great for dealing with pain, particularly chronic pain. This includes the pain that comes from injuries to joints, inflammation, nerve damage, conditions like arthritis, and much more.
A similar number of people swear by this strain for dealing with stress. It offers an uplifting sensation that improves mood and relaxes without giving too much energy or excitement.
Still, it’s probably not going to be your go to strain if you want to sleep as you might find it leaves your mind too active.
If you suffer from depression, you might also find that this strain can help out. Though a hybrid strain, Raskal is sativa dominant which means it’s perfectly suited to lifting mood. That lift isn’t too powerful, either, so you don’t need to worry about yo-yoing between up and down.
Finally, there are also some reports that this strain might be useful for dealing with the symptoms of colds or flu, too.
While you obviously don’t want smoke in your lungs if you’ve already got a nasty cough or a sore throat, other symptoms like aches and pains, a runny nose, and lack of energy might be alleviated by a hit of Raskal.
Strain Review
Raskal is a very welcome addition to the world of cannabis strains. Being the child of the legendary OG Kush strain, Raskal has inherited a lot of goodness that’s made OG Kush such an enduring favorite to this day.
The flavor and aroma is a complex, satisfying combination of earthy, citrus, and woody elements that makes it very distinct to cannabis connoisseurs and makes every breath of your smoke agreeably flavorsome.
An important thing to keep in mind with this strain is that, at up to (or even beyond) 22%, the THC content is very much on the high side. This is no bad thing, but is definitely something to keep in mind when toking.
If you’re not experienced with Raskal, it might catch you off-guard and you might end up a bit more stoned than you were planning to be.
Despite these high THC levels, you don’t need to worry about Raskal making you sluggish and spaced out. In fact, it’s the opposite. Most people report feeling lively, giggly, and talkative, so you could safely smoke this at a party for an enjoyable, social buzz.
Strain Grow Info
Strain Seeds
Good news! While they’re not quite as easy to get your hands on as seeds for some other strains, Raskal seeds are definitely available online, as well as in some stores.
If you’re having trouble getting your hands on them, you might be able to get hold of a cutting from a mature Raskal plant. If so, then you’ll be able to use this to grow your own plant.
Strain Flowering Time
Raskal plants grow a little quicker than average and if you know what you’re doing, you can expect to have high quality weed galore in about 8 or 9 weeks, if you’re growing indoors.
However, it’s very important to remember that Raskal needs the right conditions to meet its full potential. It’s not overly susceptible to pests or mold but you do need to take special care with the humidity.
The tightly packed Raskal buds need to be kept out of places which are highly humid. If not, then they’ll be ruined by mold, and you won’t get to enjoy their sweet, lemony goodness.
A humidity of around 40% – 45% is ideal. When it comes to temperature, 78°F, or a few degrees either side, is optimal. Oh, and one more thing: whether you grow it indoors or outdoors, make sure you remember to leave it enough room!
Strain Yield
Thankfully, Raskal is typically a pretty high yield variety. If you’re growing indoors, you can expect around 20 ounces per square meter or more. They really shine outdoors, though – you might even get individual plants that give you more than 20 ounces!
Final Thoughts On Raskal
All in all, Raskal is an absolutely top class addition to the market in high-quality strains. It’s rep is helped by its association with the legendary OG Kush, but Raskal is in no way just trading on its daddy’s reputation.
The high THC content will be appreciated by seasoned pot connoisseurs, and everyone should be able to enjoy the energetic, sociable high that it provides. The scent and taste is instantly recognizable and often becomes a firm favorite of people after their first time trying it.
While there are easier strains for home growers, it’s definitely not out of the question for an amateur to do a great job of growing Raskal. If you decide to do this, there’s a wealth of great advice online, so be sure to check that out.
We’d advise newer smokers to take things a bit slowly with this one to avoid the feeling of getting hit too hard, but even they should find plenty to enjoy. Overall, Raskal is a definite buy!
If you enjoyed this article, then you might like to read our post on the Sour Grapefruit strain.
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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