If you’re of a certain age, you might remember the Starland Vocal Band’s 1976 hit “Afternoon Delight.” The song resurfaced in an unforgettable cameo in the 2004 movie Anchorman, and if you’re not averse to striking “when the time is right,” you’ll want to check out the Afternoon Delight strain for yourself. With a blend of focus, relaxation, creativity, and notable bliss, it’s a pungent, pine-scented hybrid that may wrap you up in a hazy aura.
Though it may not be the best choice for punching through your to-do list, when beautiful weather, a Sunday matinee, or some other enticing activity is calling your name, the Afternoon Delight strain is the perfect pairing. Here, you’ll get the full breakdown, including:
- Origins and genetics
- Sativa or indica classification
- Afternoon Delight potency
- Experience and flavors
- …and more
With a unique blend of uplifting and calming effects, it’s a weed cultivar that encourages balance, presence, and maybe a little indulgence. Ready to roll?
Afternoon Delight Strain Origin & Genetics
If Afternoon Delight is a hazy strain, so is its backstory. Believed to have first originated with the growers at Colorado Seed Incorporated, the Afternoon Delight strain—sometimes known as “Afternoon Delite”—has also emerged as a popular variant called Afternoon Delight #4, bred by RYTHM.
What makes Afternoon Delight unusual is its “underdog” parent strain. Along with Banana and Tangie, two fairly well-known cannabis strains, it may also claim lineage from Schrom, a little-known bud that delivers some very compelling effects.
Banana
Banana, aka Banana Kush, is a balanced hybrid that tends to deliver a mellow, relaxed euphoria, along with a notably creative and gabby buzz. Wrapped in a bold, banana-forward aroma, this potent strain is often chosen by consumers seeking a sense of ease and uplift during stressful moments or low moods.
Tangie
A kind of reboot of Tangerine Dream, a top Amsterdam cafe choice from the ‘90s, this sativa-leaning hybrid imparts delightfully sweet citrus aromas undergirded by the softness of ripe apricot. Expect an experience often described as energizing, uplifting, and mood-enhancing—characteristics commonly associated with sativa-leaning cultivars.
Schrom
As a sativa-leaning hybrid, Schrom, or Schrom Star, is often described as offering a clean and clear-headed experience. Many consumers refer to it as “functional,” pointing to its gently uplifting and focused qualities.
What About the Afternoon Delight #4 Strain?
Afternoon Delight #4 is a standout phenotype, boasting a more citrus-forward flavor profile, thanks to having Tangie genetics in its lineage. It’s a particular fan favorite: One Afternoon Delight #4 strain reviewer notes, “This strain truly smells like weed is supposed to. It’s a really good high that gives you the [munchies] and puts you at ease. It didn’t make me crazy anxious or paranoid. None of that. Instead, it’s a nice head high. Made me alert enough to continue my work email. Great strain.”
But, where did it come from? Is the Afternoon Delight #4 strain actually a spinoff of the original Afternoon Delight strain? There’s some debate. Some sources aren’t so sure, citing the possibility that the strain actually descends from a cross between Trophy Wife and GMO.
Still, many believe it could be just what it sounds like: A very special variant of what’s already regarded as a very special daytime strain. As far as we’re concerned, the best way to find out is to try both versions and decide for yourself.
The Fresh Aromas & Flavors of Afternoon Delight
Genetics is one thing, but for any true cannabis connoisseur, where the rubber hits the road is on the nose and the tongue. In this regard, the Afternoon Delight strain is a true powerhouse. A multi-layered experience blending elements of tropical fruit, bright citrus, and woody pine gets rolled into darker undertones of Diesel fuel and an intriguing skunky sweetness.
As with all strains, that sensory profile is in large part due to its terpenes, the naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in many plants. The major ones that contribute to the Afternoon Delight flavor and scent include:
- Limonene: That fresh scent is a sure sign there’s limonene to be found. This cheerful terpene contributes a delightful citrus aroma and is commonly linked with mood elevation and a sense of clarity.
- Caryophyllene – With a warm, peppery scent, this terpene is unique for its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It’s often associated with calming and centering effects.
- Myrcene: This vital terpene is believed to be a major contributor to the ensemble effect—the phenomenon by which cannabis compounds work better in partnership. Earthy, musky, and dank, it’s also regarded as a key player in the classic “weed smell.”
These terpenes don’t just influence aroma; they help shape the whole experience of this charming strain, from first scent to lingering aftertaste. Whether you’re drawn in by the tropical fruit notes or soothed by the subtle pine and skunk, Afternoon Delight offers a richly layered profile that invites you to savor every moment.
Afternoon Delight Strain Experience: Potential Effects & Overall Vibe
It’s no secret how the Afternoon Delight strain got its name: With the ability to lend a clear-headed, euphoric, and focused effect—alongside that hazy aura—it’s a combination that, for many consumers, makes it the ideal afternoon strain.
Afternoon Delight is typically noted as a balanced and blissful hybrid that may offer great social and creative support. It’s probably not the best choice for those looking for an early bedtime; though it does have some indica genetics, it’s hardly a strain that’ll glue you to the couch.
Its effects, of course, come courtesy of THC and its unique blend of terpenes. While exact THC content varies from crop to crop, you can typically expect Afternoon Delight THC levels to test out around 18% – 20%. Not record-breaking, but it can still pack a punch.
Along with THC, it contains a respectable amount of non-intoxicating CBG, or cannabigerol. A minor cannabinoid tied to some potentially major benefits, CBG research suggests it may be a stress and anxiety reducer, and a potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.
Best Practices for Growing the Afternoon Delight Strain
Perhaps it’s merely the price of enjoying that intriguing blend of effects, but its carefree name aside, Afternoon Delight isn’t the easiest strain to cultivate. Consider leaning on the precision and control offered by an indoor grow rather than trusting it to the great outdoors. If you are curious about growing your own crop, here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
Preferred Climate
Preferring a temperate Mediterranean climate, the Afternoon Delight strain is more likely to thrive indoors, though experienced outdoor cultivators can get good results if there are no cold snaps predicted.
If you are planning on cultivating inside, be sure to provide adequate ventilation and airflow. Many growers recommend the tried-and-tested “screen of green” (SCRoG) lattice-style method to optimize bud production and the optimal distribution of light.
On a similar note, strategic pruning and training techniques, including topping and low-stress training, will help you manage the height of this plant while encouraging an even canopy.
Flowering Time
Experienced growers report that Afternoon Delight has a roughly 8 – 9-week flowering time. If growing outdoors, this means you’ll likely be harvesting by late September to early October.
Yield
Based on its rarity—Afternoon Delight seeds aren’t particularly easy to source—it’s hard to pinpoint an exact yield for the strain. But we can draw conclusions from its parent strains, such as Schrom. When carefully tended, this strain may produce roughly 400 grams per square meter indoors and up to 550 grams per plant outdoors.
Delight Your Senses with Sativa Hybrids From Mission
Whether or not you love ‘70s soft rock, we bet you’re gonna fall for the Afternoon Delight strain, a variety that picks up on the legacy of a 1976 hit song and gives it a very different twist.
With an irresistible blend of classic sativa effects—those creative, focusing, and euphoric feels—combined with a dreamy aura of hazy indica-leaning vibes, it’s the perfect strain for kicking back and letting the afternoon go wherever it wants to.
Explore our full lineup of sativa-dominant hybrids at your nearest Mission Dispensary in Massachusetts or Illinois. Our knowledgeable team is here to help guide you toward products that suit your needs, whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to deepen your experience.
