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.
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.
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.
Jack Herer
SativaTHC 25–25%
A classic sativa, Jack Herer is a famously potent strain that was originally named in honor of the famous author and activist of the same name.
Patients who have experience with this world-famous strain say that Jack Herer offers one of the most motivating and euphoric highs, as it brings a rush of physical and mental energy to their patients while melting away stress and pain.
THC potency of Jack Herer's buds has been recorded as high as 25%, making it one of the most potent sativas; the smell this strain's flowers give off is like a bowl of ripe grapefruits, lemons, and oranges, mixed with a fresh aroma of foresty pine.
The buds themselves are a beautiful emerald green color, these chunky calyxes have patches of neon orange pistils nestled between them, and over each bud is a dewy layer of trichomes.
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.
Moby Dick
HybridDinafem Seeds is the creator of this potent sativa-dominant hybrid, which is a cross of Haze and White Widow.
Those who have experienced Moby Dick say that this strain is very cerebral, initially giving its user a creative, euphoric high that can be nearly psychedelic for some users.
Moby Dick was named for its large green buds, which appear white due to the sheer number of translucent trichomes that coat each flower, amongst smaller patches of yellow pistils.
As soon as you encounter one of Moby Dick's buds you'll be greeted by the strain's Haze-like aroma, and when smoked or vaporized this strain takes on a floral flavor reminiscent of sweet perfume.
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.
Tangie
HybridA superbly aromatic sativa-dominant cannabis strain, Tangie was developed by DNA Genetics and is allegedly almost a recreation of Tangerine Dream, combining Skunk with California Orange.
The flowers produced by Tangie's prolific plants tend to be large and completely fluffy, with each bud coated with sparkling trichomes and patches of brick red pistils.
When you smoke Tangie, you will be stunned at the refreshing taste of tangerine, and their aroma is similarly sweet and tropical.
Tangie's effects have been known as very uplifting, and this strain tends to deliver an energetic and creative buzz.