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.
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.
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.
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.
Granddaddy Purple
Indica-domTHC 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.
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
Sativa-domTrainwreck 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
Indica-domTHC 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Most people suggest using Wedding Cake cannabis at night.
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.
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.
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.
Do-Si-Dos
Indica-domTHC 19–30%
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. 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. 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. 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. 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."
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.
Strawberry Cough
Sativa-domA strawberry-flavored sativa-dominant cannabis strain known for its euphoric buzz, Strawberry Cough is a strain with a genetic heritage that is shrouded in mystery. Strawberry Cough is beloved by many cannabis enthusiasts because it is said to provide an invigorating cerebral buzz that promotes happy, creative thoughts and soothing physical effects without being too relaxing for daytime medication. The big, fluffy flowers that Strawberry Cough produces have a pale sage green hue, but covering the surface of every flower is a coat of whitish trichomes and brick red pistils. Strawberry Cough's flowers have an earthy scent that hints at the strain's unmistakably delicious ripe strawberry flavor.