"Named after the legendary Seattle SuperSonics point guard, Gary Payton shares some attributes with the NBA Hall of Famer. Much like Payton himself, this well-rounded hybrid originates from the international breeding hub of California. Overall, the Gary Payton strain features high levels of THC, a complex terpene profile high in pinene, and rewarding yields. Both recreational and medical smokers are attracted to this strain for its sociable, euphoric, and stress-busting effects. If you're a fan of energetic highs and fruity terpenes, then it's worth seeing what this strain has to offer. Strain History of Gary Payton Gary Payton stems from a rather arduous breeding program conducted by Powerzzz Genetics and Cookies, a renowned San Francisco-based seed bank. Cookies was founded by well-known breeders Berner and Jai and boasts a collection of the most famous cultivars of the modern era, including Girl Scout Cookies (GSC). Not only have each of their strains made waves in the cannabis scene, but other breeders have used them as the genetic foundations for numerous successful creations. When it comes to Gary Payton, it all started with a careful strain selection process. In this case, they eventually settled on The Y and Snowman. But the Gary Payton available today didn't simply emerge following the first cross. The breeding team had to work much harder than that. After hunting down an array of phenotypes, the breeders behind this project sifted through them and identified the most desirable. Much like Gary Payton himself, the 20th phenotype developed stood head and shoulders above the competition. The potent terpene profile, high THC content, and impressive productivity made the cut. To get this strain to market as effectively as possible, the Cookies team collaborated with the NBA star, making Gary Payton a quick hit in the United States. Genetic Lineage of Gary Payton If you're curious about diving deeper into the genetic lineage of Gary Payton, let's kick things off with The Y. Also known by the title Y Griega, this sativa-dominant strain gained popularity thanks to its THC content (22%) and stimulating high. As the progeny of Amnesia Haze and Kali Mist, The Y naturally exerts a cognitive head high that makes users more alert. Smokers also report its usefulness in combating various physical conditions. This parent strain produces dense and compact flowers high in terpenes myrcene, terpinolene, and caryophyllene. Together, these terpenes produce fruity flavors with hints of spice. The Y contributed several traits that really stand out when growing and smoking Gary Payton. However, Snowman also provided a wealth of characteristics, including desirable aromas and effects. Also known as Snowman OG, this sativa-dominant hybrid clocks in with a THC content of 23%. These buds have become a go-to for many smokers seeking an energizing high and potential relief from physical and mental discomfort. As well as supplying a euphoric psychoactive experience, Snowman delivers a complex array of terpenes that many users find pleasant. Each hit provides notes of fruit, pepper, and hops. Physical Characteristics of Gary Payton Gary Payton maintains a compact structure throughout the entirety of its growth cycle. Despite the strain's sativa-dominant genetic profile, her indica side certainly dominates when it comes to morphology. Without training, plants top out at around 120cm. Apply LST throughout the vegetative phase, and you'll keep plants at about 80–90cm while maximizing bud production. An indica morphology naturally results in large and dense fan leaves. Gary Payton's lateral growing pattern and dense branching mean its canopy can quickly become humid and dark. Several bouts of defoliation throughout the growing cycle can help to keep its structure under control. Gary Payton stretches quite aggressively during the early flowering phase. Within several weeks of blooming, plants start to churn out compact young buds layered with trichomes and decorated with brilliant white stigmas. Towards the end of the flowering phase, these buds become relatively large and thick, translating into big and heavy harvests. Overall, though, this strain is still compatible with small growing spaces. With some training and defoliation, growers can successfully cultivate this variety in a small grow tent or a secluded but sunny garden area. Properties and Effects of Gary Payton The effects of Gary Payton can vary depending on several variables, including light, stress, and nutrients. However, this strain typically delivers a potent and fast-acting high defined by giggles, euphoria, and sociability. Tests show that THC levels usually average around 23%. This places Gary Payton in the middle ground between weaker old-school varieties and some of the most potent modern cultivars. With that said, new smokers should approach these buds sensibly and slowly. While THC creates the core effects of this strain,..."