White Widow
Indica-domTHC 20–20%
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. 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. 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. 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. 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%
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Northern Lights
Indica-domTHC 18–29%
One of the most beloved strains of all time, Northern Lights is an indica-dominant cross of Thai and Afghani strains known for its euphoric effects and its resinous flowers. This strain's THC potency has been proven to reach levels as high as 29%, making this pine-scented strain one of the most potent buds available. Northern Lights effects are known to be particularly uplifting, but alongside that happy, creative head high is an intense body buzz that completely relaxes and sedates anyone who uses this strain. Expect flowers of Northern Lights to be extremely large, each fluffy mint green flower encased in a shimmering fur of trichomes and lemon yellow pistils.
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.
Amnesia Haze
Sativa-domTHC 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.
Gelato
Indica-domTHC 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.
Bubblegum
Indica-domThis 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.
Super Silver Haze
Sativa-domTHC 17–19%
A creation of Green House Seeds, Super Silver Haze is a seriously popular and award-winning sativa-dominant hybrid derived from Haze, Northern Lights, and Skunk. Cannabis connoisseurs love Super Silver Haze for the energizing and euphoric effects that this strain provides, which may make it suitable for daytime medication. The scent of this cannabis strain blends earthy notes of diesel with bright orange flavor, and the flavor of this strain is similarly citrusy and somewhat intriguingly sage-like. Super Silver Haze's small, dense buds are each covered in a dew like coat of furry, translucent trichomes, which are separated by small patches of juicy orange pistils.