Cannabis Cultivars Galore
There are hundreds of different cannabis strains (or cultivars), each with their own unique effects. While some strains are well-known for specific effects, others can be more unpredictable. New cultivars are bred by crossing different “parent” strains of cannabis, resulting in several possible variations on the same strain, known as phenotypes.
Here are seven cannabis strains that you might find to have some unexpected effects! The list is not in any particular order, but the cultivars have been selected based on their popularity, THC and CBD content, and their general effects. This list could easily be endless, but these are some of the most popular strains with unpredictable effects.
1. Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a popular Indica strain known for its purple leaves and sweet, grape-like flavor. As with most Indica strains, expect this strain to grow short, bushy plants with broad leaves. The buds are dense and sticky, often making them difficult to break up by hand.
The parents of Granddaddy Purple are Purple Urkle and Big Bud. Purple Urkle is another strain known for its high THC content and relaxing, soothing effects. On the other hand, Big Bud is a sativa-dominant strain that is known for its large size and high yield. Crossing these two parents together yields a perfect balance between heavy and uplifting effects!
While most Indica-dominant strains are known for their relaxing and couch-locking effects, Granddaddy Purple can be pretty energizing. The strain is perfect for daytime use, as it won’t make you feel as tired or sluggish as other popular Indica strains may. You can take it and still be able to function normally throughout the day.
2. Green Crack
Green Crack is a Sativa strain that gets its name from its high level of THC and the energizing effects it lends. The buds are typically small and dense, with a bright green color. The flavor is often citrusy and sweet, with a hint of skunk.
Green Crack was bred by crossing the Sativa landrace strain Skunk #1 with an unknown Indica. It’s likely that the Indica parent is responsible for the high THC content. The other parent, Skunk #1, is known for its sweet and intense aroma.
While the name might make you think this strain is all about getting as high as possible, Green Crack is more well-known for its ability to boost energy levels and improve focus. The strain is perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up, whether it’s first thing in the morning or the afternoon.
3. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a legendary Sativa strain named after the famed cannabis activist of the same name. The buds are typically large and dense, with a deep green color and a spicy, skunky aroma.
The parents of Jack Herer are an unknown Sativa and a Haze hybrid. The Sativa parent is responsible for the strain’s large size and high yield, while the Haze parent is responsible for its strong aroma and balancing effects.
While most sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, Jack Herer is more of a balanced strain. The effects are often more cerebral than physical, making it a perfect strain for when you need to focus on completing a task.
4. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant strain known for its sweet, berry-like flavor and mellow effects. Apart from the aroma, the buds are also frequently bluish in hue. For years in the early 2000s, Blue Dream was the most common strain in Washington!
This is a strain with a rich history. Its parents are Blueberry, a popular Indica, and Haze. The Blueberry parent is responsible for the berry flavor, while Haze is the driver behind the Sativa effects.
Typically, Sativa dominant strains are expected to have uplifting and energetic effects. However, Blue Dream often provides more of a balanced effect, lending its consumers energy and relaxation alike. The strain is a perfect multitool for when you need to get things done or want to relax a bit.
4. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a classic Indica strain characterized by short, bushy plants and large, dense buds. The buds have a sweet, earthy aroma and are often used for making hash.
Northern Lights was bred by crossing two unknown Indica strains. The lack of information available about the cultivar’s genetics lends it an air of mystery, but the parentage is why the strain is referred to as a “pure Indica.”
As you would expect, most Indica strains should have relaxing effects, but Northern Lights is actually quite energizing. The strain is perfect for when you need an energy boost, without the couch-locking effects typically associated with Indica strains or the heady effects common in Sativas.
6. OG Kush
OG Kush is another Indica-dominant strain that has a unique aroma, characterized by a mix of earthiness and citrus. The buds tend to be fairly small, dense, and sticky.
OG Kush was created by crossing Chemdawg, a Pakistani Hindu Kush landrace strain, with Lemon Thai. Each of these parents is an Indica strain, so OG Kush is considered by some to be a “pure Indica,” although some phenotypes vary in their effects. The Chemdawg parent is responsible for the earthy, diesel-like aroma, while the Lemon Thai parent is responsible for the citrusy flavor.
OG Kush is known for providing a balance of relaxing and uplifting effects. The strain is ideal for when you need to relax but don’t want to be completely couch-locked.
7. White Widow
White Widow is a classic hybrid strain known for its white, fluffy buds and strong effects. The buds have a sweet, earthy flavor with a hint of citrus.
White Widow was created by crossing Brazilian Sativa × South Indian Indica. The Brazilian Sativa parent is responsible for the white, fluffy buds, while the South Indian Indica parent is responsible for the potent effects.
As expected, most hybrid strains like White Widow should be balanced. However, the effects of White Widow can be pretty unpredictable. The strain can range from energizing to couch-locking, so it’s best to start with a small amount and see how it affects you!
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are many popular strains of cannabis, each with its own unique aroma, flavor, and effects. Whether you’re looking for a strain to help you focus on a task or one to relax with, there’s sure to be a strain that’s perfect for you. So, next time you’re at the dispensary, be sure to ask about these popular strains and see what we are talking about. Plus, don’t forget that Passion Flower includes taste and effect notes on every package to help you know exactly what to expect – whether you’ve tried a strain before or not!
Thanks for reading,
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