22

An Enigmatic Balanced Hybrid

Strain 22 presents a fascinating case study in modern cannabis breeding—a balanced hybrid that combines the legendary genetics of Jack Herer and OG Kush to create an experience that satisfies both mind and body equally. Bred by Cali Connection during the 2010s, this strain emerged during cannabis culture's golden age of genetic experimentation, when breeders sought to merge the cerebral clarity of sativas with the physical comfort of indicas. Testing between 17.8-29% THC with minimal CBD (0.5-1%), 22 delivers potent effects while maintaining remarkable functional balance.

🧬 Genetic Heritage & Lineage

The Jack Herer parentage brings legendary sativa-dominant genetics known for creative energy and mental clarity, while OG Kush contributes its signature relaxing properties and complex terpene profile. This combination creates what cannabis connoisseurs call a "true 50/50 hybrid"—neither indica nor sativa dominates the experience. The Cali Connection's breeding work focused on stabilizing this balance, resulting in a cultivar that inherited Jack Herer's motivational qualities without sacrificing OG Kush's therapeutic relaxation. Worth noting: the "22" designation has been used by multiple breeders for different phenotypes (including Sherbanger #22, Boston Tea Party #22, and others), but the most widely recognized version remains this Jack Herer x OG Kush cross.

👃 Terpene Profile & Aromatics

22's terpene profile creates an aromatic symphony dominated by three key players. Limonene leads at approximately 1.61%, delivering bright citrus notes with mood-elevating properties. Caryophyllene follows closely at 1.57%, contributing spicy pepper undertones while binding to CB2 receptors for anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene rounds out the profile with earthy, musky notes that enhance the body-calming experience.

When you open a container of 22, you'll immediately notice sharp pine and citrus aromas reminiscent of a forest after rain, followed by spicy, peppery notes and subtle floral undertones. The sage-like herbal quality becomes more apparent as the buds warm in your hands, while deeper earthy and diesel notes emerge. Some phenotypes express sweet berry characteristics alongside the dominant pine-citrus-spice trinity.

👅 Flavor Experience

The flavor journey mirrors the aromatic complexity. Your first inhale brings crisp pine and zesty citrus that coat the palate, transitioning mid-session to earthy diesel with herbal sage notes. The spicy pepper from caryophyllene creates pleasant tingle on the tongue, while subtle berry sweetness emerges on the exhale. The aftertaste lingers with pine resin and sage, leaving your mouth feeling refreshed rather than overwhelmed. Some users detect cheese-like undertones—a signature characteristic inherited from certain OG Kush phenotypes.

🎯 Effects & Experience

The effects profile truly showcases 22's balanced hybrid nature. Onset begins within 5-10 minutes, starting with cerebral euphoria that lifts your mood and sparks creative thinking. You'll notice enhanced focus and mental clarity without the racing thoughts that pure sativas sometimes trigger. This mental stimulation feels productive and motivating—perfect for tackling projects or engaging conversations.

Simultaneously, gentle physical relaxation begins in your shoulders and neck, gradually spreading throughout your body. This isn't sedating couch-lock; rather, it's soothing muscle ease that releases tension while maintaining mobility. The peak arrives 30-45 minutes post-consumption, where mental uplift and physical comfort reach equilibrium. You'll feel energetic yet calm, creative yet grounded, happy yet focused.

Effects typically last 2-3 hours, tapering gradually without harsh comedown. Higher doses may induce more pronounced relaxation and occasional sleepiness, making dosage control important for desired outcomes.

🎮 Use Cases & Activities

22's balanced profile makes it genuinely anytime appropriate. Morning sessions support creative work and focused tasks without morning grogginess. Afternoon use enhances social gatherings and outdoor activities—the strain's mood-elevating properties encourage conversation while maintaining mental sharpness. Early evening consumption pairs beautifully with meditation or light exercise like yoga or hiking, where you'll appreciate the mind-body connection.

💚 Medical & Therapeutic Potential

Users report 22 may help with both mental and physical concerns. The anxiety-reducing effects (rated 4/5 intensity) come from the combined action of limonene's mood elevation and myrcene's calming properties. Stress relief similarly benefits from this terpene synergy. For depression support, the uplifting euphoria provides gentle mood enhancement without overwhelming stimulation.

Physically, the strain may offer mild-to-moderate pain relief and muscle relaxation (both rated 3/5 intensity) through caryophyllene's CB2 receptor activation. Some users find it helps with insomnia, though effects vary—higher doses tend to promote sleep more effectively. The strain's focus-enhancing properties may benefit those managing attention difficulties.

👁️ Visual Characteristics

Buds typically display medium-to-dense structure with forest green coloring accented by purple undertones in cooler-grown phenotypes. Bright orange pistils weave throughout, while a generous coating of frosty trichomes signals potency. The buds often show the classic OG Kush bud structure—chunky, resinous, and visually appealing.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

While 22 itself hasn't garnered major competition wins, related genetics like Sweet ZZ (a similar genetic profile) won the 2011 High Times Medical Cup in the concentrate category, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of these terpene profiles.

⚠️ Consumer Considerations

Best for: intermediate-to-experienced consumers who appreciate balanced effects; newcomers should start with lower doses due to THC potency. The strain's versatility makes it ideal for those seeking daytime functionality with relaxation or creative focus with stress relief. Potential side effects include typical dry mouth and dry eyes—stay hydrated. The balanced nature means fewer reports of anxiety or paranoia compared to pure sativas, though individual responses vary.

With its legitimate all-day versatility, 22 represents thoughtful breeding at its finest—a strain that refuses to be pigeonholed, offering something valuable for nearly every cannabis consumer's needs.