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.
OG Kush
HybridTHC 28–28%
Probably the most popular west coast cannabis strain in existence, the legendary sativa-dominant cannabis strain OG Kush was allegedly created when Hindu Kush and Chemdawg were combined.
OG Kush's effects are notoriously euphoric, inducing a tingly, stimulating body buzz and a giggly head high that are unmatched in just about any other strain.
The potency of OG Kush buds has reached as high as 28% THC, which makes this strain overwhelming for new cannabis users, or those with a low tolerance.
Flowers of this strain are gorgeous, each purple and emerald green calyx encased in a shimmering halo of trichomes and tangled orange pistils.
As most cannabis lovers know, OG Kush has a distinct piney aroma and a surprisingly pleasant sweet pine flavor.
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.
Trainwreck
HybridTrainwreck is a well-known sativa-dominant cannabis strain that is said to blend genetics from Thai, Mexican, and Afghani cannabis strains.
Wafting from Trainwreck's fluffy flowers is a musky, earthy scent of pine, and once this cannabis strain is smoked you're likely to note that it takes on a citrus fruit flavor.
The buds themselves are a saturated tree green hue, which is accented by patches of glistening trichomes tucked between chunky calyxes and golden pistils.
Fans of Trainwreck tend to find Trainwreck's high to be superbly creative, euphoric, and physically somewhat relaxing.
Wedding Cake
HybridTHC 16–25%
Often called Pink Cookies, Wedding Cake is a derivative of the popular hybrid strains Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies. Wedding Cake is one of the many indica dominant strains. It is about 60 percent indica.
Cannabinoid Content
Wedding Cake has very low CBD content, so choose a different strain if cannabidiol is important to you. The THC content of Wedding Cake is around16 to 25 percent.
Effects
The effects of Wedding Cake can be quite variable, but this blissful hybrid tends to deliver a euphoric effect that can be quite relaxing for some users. Most users of Wedding Cake will feel extremely calm in just minutes as the "high" begins to take effect and relaxes the muscles.
The "high" associated with Wedding Cake tends to start quickly, usually beginning with the head. You will likely notice your thoughts are more intense or fast-paced. Alternatively, you may become more aware of your surroundings. Those adjustments to your thinking patterns also come with euphoria or giddiness.
The indica side will begin to kick in under an hour, giving you a pleasant heaviness in the limbs and spine and increased warmth. The stimulation to your brain will continue as this effect works its way through your body.
There may be a feeling of light pressure by the eyes, but this goes away quickly. It is soon replaced by a feeling of giddiness. You may also notice some side effects like dry eyes or cotton mouth in addition to the euphoric feeling.
Many people suffering from insomnia, depression, or pain choose to smoke Wedding Cake for relief.
The holistic effects of Wedding Cake make it a popular choice for those who want something extra while exercising, creating art, or having sex. Just complete those activities early in the "high"; after a while, you will feel locked to the couch.
Appearance
The hue of the beautiful strain Wedding Cake tends to be a light, minty green intermixed with patches of purple. The clusters of peach-colored trichomes this strain produces are accompanied by a glistening layer of trichomes. That layer of trichomes is commonly described as frosty or sticky. This high concentration of trichomes leads to sticky texture and high THC levels.
The flowers of Wedding Cake are incredibly colorful and large. The nuggets are chunky and globular, adhering in the bud structure typical to indica plants and featuring leaves that curl tightly. The leaves are brown or earthy grain and feature orange pistils. Those pistils look like hairs and catch pollen from the male plants.
Aroma and Flavor
Wedding Cake's fragrance is musky with notes of warm wintery spice, and once this hybrid is smoked, you're likely to be struck by its vanilla cake and sweet cherry flavor. Properly cured buds from Wedding Cake will have a vegetal smell that is mossy and damp with hints of citrus. Under that, you can smell a hint of the skunky smell from OG Kush, which is the strain's grandparent. If you grind or break up the Wedding Cake buds, expect to catch a whiff of spicy sandalwood.
Some compare the flavor of Wedding Cake to a cake made of cookies and cream ice cream but with a hint of fruitiness. Exhaling gives you a rich and sweet taste with that creamy mouthfeel that is reminiscent of cake.
Keep in mind that the flavor of Wedding Cake can vary slightly based on the phenotype. However, all phenotypes will have a hint of creaminess in their profile with some tanginess and sourness.
Other Information to Know
Most people suggest using Wedding Cake cannabis at night.
Bruce Banner
HybridTHC 28–29%
Named for the alter-ego of famed superhero The Hulk, Bruce Banner is a strong, uplifting sativa dominant hybrid that will calm even the most villainous of problems.
This strain's high THC content has topped 28% in some tests and has tested up to 8% uniquely medically beneficial terpenes like Linalool, Caryophyllene, Humulene, and alpha-Pinene.
Likely due to its high proportion of Linalool, Bruce Banner's buds have a sweet and earthy floral berry flavor, with an earthy aroma.
Patients love Bruce Banner's sheer strength, as it knocks out stress, pain, and tension quickly and pleasurably.
Although this strain can provide great relief for many symptoms, it is not recommended to be used by cannabis users who have a low tolerance for THC, as it may be too strong and cause paranoia or dizziness.
Gelato
HybridTHC 19–25%
Sometimes called "Larry Bird", Gelato is an indica-dominant Bay Area native that was created when Cookie Farm Genetics blended Thin Mint GSC with Sunset Sherbet.
Gelato's chunky, trichome-covered forest green buds are said to be powerfully high in THC levels, and each of these flowers is adorned with a few short auburn pistils.
Patients who try Gelato describe this strain as heavily physically relaxing, though this strain leaves its users minds relatively clear and able to work on creative personal projects.
If you expected Gelato to have a yummy taste you would be right, as this strain is remarkably sweet, boasting flavors of ripened berries and sherbet complemented by the strain's refreshing mint aroma.
Durban Poison
SativaTHC 17–27%
Hailing from Durban, South Africa, this purebred sativa strain has been making waves for decades due to its high potency and severely stimulating head effect.
One of the most interesting facets of Durban Poison is its potency in THCV, a psychoactive cannabinoid that suppresses hunger and gives its user a burst of energy.
This strain's dense, sticky buds give off a fragrance of sweet grapes, citrus, and earth and generally have about 17-27% THC.
Durban Poison provides its patient with a particularly stimulating cerebral hit, motivating its user through the focused energy it provides while simultaneously dissolving all traces of pain.
Green Crack
SativaTHC 18–20%
If you are looking for a sativa strain that delivers unrelenting euphoria, Green Crack is your best bet; developed by repeatedly breeding together Skunk #1 plants to accentuate the soaring cerebral effects of this strain.
Buds of Green Crack tend to test between 18-20% THC, making this strain one of the more potent sativa strains in existence, which is reflected in this strain's occasionally overwhelmingly strong effects.
Sativa-lovers will enjoy the way that Green Crack gives an incredibly exciting head rush, full of creative energy, though some users may be affected by paranoia due to this strain's exciting effects.
These flowers have an earthy smell that mixes fresh ripe mango and citrus fruits with an earthy undercurrent, with a tropical fruit smoothie flavor that comes through especially well when this strain is vaped.
Amnesia Haze
HybridTHC 20–20%
Bred from a Laotian sativa, a Jamaican sativa, and the Afghani Hawaiian (an indica-dominant hybrid), Amnesia Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that is a great all day medication.
Patients who use this strain report an uplifting euphoric high with a very energetic buzz.
This strain is high in Linalool, a terpene (commonly known as the aroma and flavor of Lavender) that is a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic, making this strain great for relieving pain.
This strain usually tests around 20% THC with very little CBD, and can be useful for patients dealing with chronic pain conditions, anxiety, depression, and migraines.
Do-Si-Dos
HybridTHC 19–30%
Getting to Know the Strain
Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid that resulted when Girl Scout Cookies was bred with Face/Off OG. It is considered a 50 percent hybrid.
Do-Si-Dos has tested above 29 percent THC, so you can be sure that this will be a potent medication. The average is usually between 19-30 percent. In contrast, the CBD content is almost zero, something to keep in mind.
Appearance
This strain's buds are stupendously colorful, with calyxes in hues of deep eggplant and sage of forest green and a host of rusty orange pistils, all coated with the dust of chunky white trichomes. That deep eggplant purple is not always present in the leaves. It arises when anthocyanins, a type of pigment found in the strain's genetics, are activated by the cold as they grow.
The buds themselves are small, sticking together in small clusters that resemble popcorn. As expected from a strain with indica roots, Do-Si-Dos has dense flower structures, including small leaves that tightly curl inward toward the central stems.
Effects
Do-Si-Dos delivers a completely sedative effect that soothes the body while uplifting the mind. Most people experience happiness, sleepiness, and sedation when smoking Do-Si-Dos.
Its relaxing effects may relieve some aspects of insomnia, chronic pain conditions like arthritis and migraines as well as anxiety, nausea, and stress. Those using medical cannabis can appreciate the analgesic effects on pain and aches, which work on chronic or temporary conditions. You may experience relief on conditions such as lupus, arthritis, or injuries. The anti-inflammatory properties of Do-Si-Dos can help with nausea and headaches. The calming effects can help provide temporary relief from depression and stress.
The effects of Do-Si-Dos tend to last longer than the typical marijuana strain. You will likely notice an increase in your cerebral functioning at the same time that your upper face starts to tingle.
Smoking Do-Si-Dos can help your thoughts flow and assist with your concentration on analytical or task-based work. It is also great for creativity, especially when brainstorming. You will not feel too buzzed thanks to the calming body high that occurs simultaneously.
Those who smoke this strain typically notice progressive relaxation spreading throughout their core and limbs. This is great for relaxing with music or a drink. The vibe from Do-So-Dos can also be social, leading to laughs and great conversation.
Because Do-Si-Dos provides physical and mental stimulation simultaneously, many smokers appreciate its effect during activities that require full-body coordination. This may include dancing or exercising. In certain settings, it even applies to sex.
Keep in mind that as you increase the dosage or the "high" advances further, there is an increased risk of couch lock. The way that Do-Si-Dos ends in immobilizing calm makes it ideal for smoking in the early evening or late afternoon when you will not have any commitments after the "high" advances to the couch lock stage.
Aroma and Flavor
This strain gives off a pungent earthy aroma that tastes like a tray of sweet, fresh-baked cookies. The smell from the flowers is overly sweet, almost to the point of fermentation. That earthy aroma comes up in undertones. When you grind the buds, you will notice some of the skunk smell that Do-Si-Dos inherits from its OG Kush lineage.
When you combust Do-Si-Dos, expect an acrid, harsh smoke. The smoke tastes skunky yet fruity when you exhale. Discreetness and Do-Si-Dos do not usually go together as the pungency of this strain can travel far.
Other Useful Information
Those familiar with Do-Si-Dos say that the best time to use it will be the afternoon. This way, you will not find yourself couch-locked with important things to do.
You should consider using a different strain of marijuana if you have a low THC tolerance or are prone to paranoia or panic. This is a result of the recursive thinking inspired in the early stages of the Do-Si-Dos "high."
Chemdawg
HybridTHC 17–24%
Chemdawg is a superb strain with mysterious roots, as no one is quite sure which strains it came from.
What is known about this strain, though, is that it produces a profoundly euphoric cerebral effect that completely calms each patient's mind and body.
If you need another reason to love this strain, Chemdawg is the parent to some of the most popular cannabis strains of all time, like Sour Diesel and OG Kush.
Chemdawg's buds are notoriously pungent, producing an unignorable diesel aroma, and these fluffy spade-shaped buds are usually a very pale green color, in part due to the frosty layer of trichomes that coats the entire surface of each of these buds.
Pineapple Express
HybridTHC 27–27%
Getting to Know the Strain
A cross of Trainwreck and Hawaiian, the insanely popular sativa-dominant Pineapple Express was created after the favorite cult movie of the same name.
This strain is sativa dominant. Expect a strong effect as the THC content of Pineapple Express has been measured at up to 27 percent. Meanwhile, the CBD is almost zero, so benefits rely on THC, not CBD.
Appearance
When you open up a bag of Pineapple Express, expect light green cone-shaped flowers that possess thick auburn or dark orange pistils and a generous dusting of trichomes. The buds are the color of olives and shaped like rocks.
Effects
Cannabis enthusiasts who have sampled Pineapple Express describe the strain as highly energetic and largely euphoric, inundating those who use it with a giggly and friendly effect. After the "high" settles, expect to feel optimistic, happy, and incredibly calm.
The experience of smoking Pineapple Express is mellow, giving you a relaxed brain and encouraging you to become talkative. At the same time, your body will become tingly and energizing. Be aware that in addition to the energy and euphoria, some people experience paranoia with Pineapple Express.
The buzz from Pineapple Express is powerful, but not as much as you may think based on the movie. Expect a mild body numb that also includes a happy, heady high. You will feel boosted to your talkative and creative nature. The energy from the strain is perfect for taking care of your to-do list quickly.
This is a popular strain for those in search of relief from nausea or pain and other medical marijuana purposes. Those with mild inflammation or pain will appreciate the strain's minor sedative properties that help with these issues. It can also help with muscle tightness and migraines. The bud can lift your mood and boost productivity, helping those with chronic stress, depression, fatigue, anxiety, or generalized restlessness.
Aroma and Flavor
As one is likely to expect, this strain's gorgeous flowers possess a sweet pineapple aroma and an even sweeter flavor that blends pineapple, mango, and citrus fruit flavors. The aromas will probably make you feel as if you are at a fruit stand. In addition to the mango and pineapple overtones, expect pine and green apple undertones.
Smoking Pineapple Express will give you a smooth, sweet experience. The flavors are similar to the aromas and also incredibly strong. Expect the buds to taste like pineapple and give you an aftertaste of pine.
Other Information to Know
Ideally, you will use Pineapple Express during the afternoon. It is a good option for an adventure if you want some motivation to get moving. The long-lasting and energetic nature of the strain works well with your creative endeavors and even the busiest schedules. Alternatively, you can also use it to relax at home with a movie.
Despite the fact that Pineapple Express shares the name with a movie from 2008, this strain has been around in the Netherlands for half a decade before that. It has been a favorite in that country the whole time, with that popularity since expanding to other countries as well.
If you plan to grow Pineapple Express, you can do so indoors or outdoors, although you should expect better results in a climate-controlled indoor location. Just make sure you set up plenty of space for this strain as the branches will extend far and wide. The strain is auto-flowering, offering convenience during the growing process.
After around seven or eight weeks of growth, your Pineapple Express will be ready to deliver a high harvest. If you grow the plant outside, expect to harvest in mid-October.
Acapulco Gold
HybridTHC 24–24%
From Acapulco, Mexico, this sativa-dominant hybrid has a place in weed history as one of the most popular strains in the world.
When this strain is ready to harvest the buds become coated in orange hairs and shiny coat of trichomes that make each bud look like a glistening, golden nugget.
This strain has the aroma of tea, coffee, and butterscotch, giving it a warm sweet, smell and taste unlike any other strain.
This strain tests up to 24% and has potent effects that soothe headaches, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia.
Because this strain is quite difficult to grow indoors and the increasing popularity of hydroponic growing, it is uncommon to find Acapulco Gold inside of a dispensary.