White Widow
HybridTHC 20–20%
Getting to Know the Strain
One of the most popular cannabis strains in the world, White Widow is a balanced blend of a South Indian Indica strain and a Brazilian Sativa Landrace strain. The strain comes out to about 60 percent sativa. It was bred for a high trichome count, making it very popular for hash production.
Expect an average THC content from White Widow, as THC concentration has been measured at up to 20 percent, but some phenotypes have a stronger THC composition. The CBD content is very low to almost zero.
Appearance
Each of White Widow's beautiful succulent green buds is encased in a white frost of sticky, potent trichomes and tucked in between the strain's bulbous buds are patches of neon orange pistils. You will notice that the leaves are gorgeous spring green and have minimal visible pistils.
White Widow is perhaps best known for its incredible resin production, which is easily described as off the charts. The buds are chunky, appearing slightly tapered and conical. The bud structure of White Widow's flowers looks more like its sativa roots than indica. This comes through in the fluffy, loose texture that is sticky yet easy to break up.
As mentioned, the trichomes are a defining trait of White Widow plants. Successfully grown strains will have the buds fully covered in the long-stalked trichomes. This provides the strain with the whitish-gray appearance that led to the "White" in its name.
Effects
White Widow's high can be energetic or relaxing depending on many factors, but nearly all who have tried this powerful hybrid note that it brings an uplifted and somewhat dizzying head "high." Expect energy and euphoria when you consume White Widow. You may also experience a cotton mouth, so keep some water nearby.
In terms of medical marijuana applications, White Widow does well at relieving pain from a range of causes, as well as anxiety and nausea.
Aroma and Flavor
Fans of White Widow report that this strain's flowers have a naturally pungent and earthy aroma, and if you choose to smoke this cannabis strain, you will find it has a subtly sweet sandalwood flavor. The scent is ammonia-like and stinging, with some nice earthy pine notes.
When you break the buds off the White Widow, you will get an incense-like odor that is more hash-like. The smoke is smooth and tastes earthy. If you are used to excessively flavored or fruity strains, White Widow may seem to be lacking in flavor. Once you know what to expect, however, the flavor is pleasant.
If you prefer discretion when smoking, keep in mind that White Widow can get very pungent when it is combusted.
What Else to Know About White Widow
The best time of the day to take advantage of White Widow's effects is the morning.
Green House Seeds, a Dutch veteran, produced White Widow back in the 1990s. At the time of its creation, most strains in the underground cannabis market were hybrids like Haze and Northern Lights. Since then, White Widow has made a strong name for itself. It has won multiple awards over the years, starting with the Cannabis Cup from High Times in 1995, making it one of the earliest winners.
If you want to grow White Widow cannabis, you can do so from clones or seeds. The strain can be cultivated inside or outside, thanks to its mold resistance. For the ideal results, however, try to maintain a nearly Mediterranean climate with temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
During its vegetative stage, White Widow shows off its indica content. The plant will be wide and bushy, typically staying under six feet tall. If you grow it outside, expect it to flower in early October. Growing indoors leads to flowering in about nine weeks.
Gorilla Glue #4
HybridTHC 27–32%
Getting to Know the Strain
Gorilla Glue #4, or GG4, is the incredibly lucky result of accidental pollination of Sour Dubb by Chem's Sister, whose child was then crossed with Chocolate Diesel to create this all-star indica-dominant hybrid. Gorilla Glue #4 is 65 percent sativa. The name of the strain comes from the resin that stays on the scissors when you trim the plant.
Holding a spot in cannabis royalty, Gorilla Glue #4 is heralded by cannabis connoisseurs as one of the most potent and effective strains of all time and seeing as it has tested above 27 percent THC, it is no wonder why. Some results indicate the THC content is as high as 32 percent, which is considered very high. By contrast, there is 0.05 to 0.1 percent CBD in Gorilla Glue #4.
Effects
Patients love Gorilla Glue #4 for its pleasant hybrid effects, delivering unmatched levels of uplifted, creative happiness, and similarly extreme relaxation, sedation, and pain relief. This makes it ideal for treating depression, pain, and insomnia. The indica can provide sedative effects for slipped discs, arthritis, or other painful disorders. The low CBD content makes Gorilla Glue #4 less than ideal for central nervous disorders or seizures. Instead, it is best with disorders like anxiety, depression, stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Even those without medical conditions will appreciate Gorilla Glue #4 thanks to its effects. This strain's pleasant effects begin in the body, where they numb stress and pain. From there, it spreads to your head, providing a friendly, happy feeling. Expect a full-body melt when you smoke Gorilla Glue #4. At the same time, you will enjoy cerebral effects that are uplifting.
When used recreationally, the buzz from Gorilla Glue #4 tends to go right to the head. It can be heavy-handed, with most considering this to be a couch-locking marijuana strain.
In addition to the relaxation, you can expect to feel sleepy after smoking Gorilla Glue #4, and you may also have cotton mouth.
Gorilla Glue #4's effects make it a strong choice for those who want to fight stress or insomnia, or those who want to sit back with friends and relax.
Aroma and Flavor
If that wasn't enough to make you love Gorilla Glue #4, this strain gives off an indescribably delicious aroma, blending slightly spicy floral fragrances with notes of robust, earthy pine. Some say that the strain smells similar to wood glue. The aroma tends to be strong, sometimes described as earthy and sweet and sometimes as having hints of coffee and chocolate.
The taste is sometimes described as that of wood glue with hints of diesel. The smoke is flavorful and full-bodied.
Appearance
Gorilla Glue #4 earned its name from the thick dew of sticky trichomes that litter the entire surface of each of these buds, so dense that you can barely see the gorgeous green calyxes underneath. Those green buds feature orange hairs. Overall, the plant is dense and spongy. The buds are sizable and have short white "hairs" covering the entire plant. The trichomes on Gorilla Glue #4 are so extensive that some describe it as mostly trichomes with some stalks, leaves, and buds.
The extreme quantities of resin on Gorilla Glue #4 make it an ideal option for resin extractions. In those situations, it can yield up to 30 percent.
Other Useful Information
Thanks to its effects, most people suggest smoking Gorilla Glue #4 at night. Otherwise, the full-body relaxation may get in the way of your daily activities. This is an award-winning strain, having earned honors at the 2014 Cannabis Cup, including in both Michigan and Los Angeles. In 2015, it won first place at the Cannabis High Times World Cup in Jamaica.
If you plan to grow Gorilla Glue #4, keep in mind that it came from a hermaphrodite being accidentally pollinated. As such, you should check your seeds for any pollen sacs during the flowering stage, even if you buy feminized seeds. Growers of Gorilla Glue #4 should expect a heavy yield in around eight weeks.
Blueberry
IndicaOriginally an indica strain created by legendary American breeder DJ Short, Blueberry is the result of a blend of unknown landrace cannabis strains.
Blueberry was named the Best Indica at the High Times' Cannabis Cup in 2000 for its heavily relaxing, soothing physical high and euphoric cerebral buzz.
Cannabis enthusiasts who have encountered Blueberry say its buds are round, fluffy, and a very light lime green hue that is accented by a halo of shimmering white trichomes and burnt orange pistils.
Blueberry's beautiful buds were named for their fruity fresh blueberry flavor, and they have a similarly sweet, natural aroma.
Granddaddy Purple
HybridTHC 20–20%
One of the most famous and beloved cannabis strains available, Granddaddy Purple (AKA GDP) is an indica-dominant blend of Purple Urkle and Big Bud that combines the best of these two lovely strains.
Known for producing profound psychedelic effects, delivering all-encompassing euphoria and a physically sedative effect that leaves its user totally relaxed and often sleepy.
THC levels of this prolific strain are variable, but generally tend to be around 20%, though they can be much higher depending on the quality of care Granddaddy Purple received as it was growing.
Grandaddy Purple's buds are, obviously, a bright eggplant color, and each dense, chunky bud is encased in a layer of swirling orange pistils and glistening trichomes, and these flowers produce a delicious flavor of ripe berries and grape.
Super Skunk
HybridA heavily indica-dominant hybrid strain composed of the genetics from Afghani and Skunk #1, Sensi Seeds was the creator of the skunky strain Super Skunk.
Much like its parents, Super Skunk has become a very popular strain due to the dense, large, deep green flowers it creates, each of which is decorated with neon orange pistils and a glittering layer of trichomes.
Super Skunk's flowers do give off a pungent, skunky aroma, but if you smoke or vaporize Super Skunk you're likely to enjoy its mild, sweet flavor.
Cannabis lovers who have tried this hybrid strain have described it as uplifting, stimulating, and yet pleasantly relaxing.
Bubblegum
HybridThis strain's silly name comes from its parents, Bubblegum and AK-47, and this whimsical bud lightens your mood incredibly.
Patients who use this strain describe its effects as simultaneously euphoric and fully relaxing, stimulating the mind toward a dreamy and creative state while fully relieving pain, stress, and tension throughout the body.
This high is said to be strong, sometimes overwhelming, and long-lasting, so it is best used by experienced cannabis users who have at least a few hours free to experience this bud.
Chocolate Kush
HybridTHC 17–20%
This incredible blend of the beloved strains Chocolope and Kosher Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid strain with potent stress relieving properties.
In tests for THC potency, this strain came up at about 20% on average, with less than 1% CBD, which means it may not be a great strain for users who are treating epilepsy symptoms, or other conditions that specifically benefit from CBD.
Where this strain really shines is in its effects, as it provides patients with a satisfyingly sedative effect that knocks out all pain in its path, while providing a mellow head effect that soothes stress and brings a calm euphoria.
Flowers of Chocolate Kush have a mix of light and dark green calyxes, and on the surface of every bud is a coating of sticky trichomes that provide this strain with its high potency and earthy, chocolatey flavor.