Ultimately, the ideal cannabis strain for a person is going to be quite a person al choice. It depends what effects the person is looking for. However, awards are certainly a good place to start and in particular, those that have won the Cannabis Cup. Here we shall take you through five of the most famous award winning strains, and hopefully it will help you find the right one for you.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze has won the High Times Cannabis Cup twice as well as first prize at the IC420 Growers Cup. It is a classic sativa strain that won awards in both 2008 and 2009, making it one of only two strains to win back-to-back Cannabis Cup. The other strain to do so was Super Silver Haze, a parent of Super Lemon Haze, which won in 1998 and 1999.
Super Lemon Haze has very high THC levels of around 22% and it is a true Amsterdam original strain. It was created by the famous Green House Seed Company and quickly became known for its intense lemon smells and flavours.
The lemon is due to the terpene limonene, which many believe also has an uplifting effect. However, lemon is not the strain’s only flavour, and it is not quite as sharp as the name suggest. It is also fairly sweet, which makes it a true pleasure to smoke.
The high from Super Lemon Haze is energetic and social, which means it is great for day time use and for helping with fatigue, anxiety and stress. In addition to being social, it can also help those who suffer from mood disorders such as chronic depression, PTSD and/or anxiety.
Skunk #1
Skunk #1 is one of the most influential cannabis strains of all time. It is famous for its genetics and many consider to be one of the best real hybrids of the modern cannabis era. It is slightly indica dominant, at around 65% indica, and it is a cross of Afghani, Mexican Acapulco Gold and Columbian Gold genetics.
Among the many awards won by Skunk #1 are first place in the High Times Cannabis Cup (Cultivator’s Choice) in 1998, Best Overall Strain at AMEC Cup 2009, and Soft Secrets Strain of the Year in 2013. Skunk has now become well known for its potency and the term “skunk” has become synonymous with strains that are powerful and pungent.
Before Skunk #1 was developed, cannabis was nearly always seeded and the buds did not look great. Prior to its existence, there was not a hybrid strain that delivered cerebral effects and produced a high yield of dese buds in just eight weeks.
The high from Skunk #1 is energetic from beginning to end and many find it increases their creativity. It can help with stress and thanks to its potency, it is sure to leave you feeling hungry. As the name suggests, it smells powerful, so be sure to keep this in mind before lighting your joint.
Jack Herer
This strain was named after the cannabis activist, author and “Emperor of Hemp” Jack Herer, and it is just as famous as its namesake, if not more so. The strain has won an incredible eleven awards thanks to its high THC level (24%), interesting flavours, and enjoyable high. It was developed by Sensi Seeds in the 1980s or 90s and while the exact genetics are a secret, it is believed to be the product of Haze and a cross of Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk.
The strain has a unique, pungent, earthy smell complete with hints of citrus, pine, fruit, and spice. It is best known for its ability to provide a clear-headed high complete with boosted focus and energy. As such, it is also popular with medicinal users, particularly those suffering from stress, anxiety, headaches, depression, and nausea.
The high starts with a head rush and then it slowly spreads down the neck and through the limbs, leaving users feeling relaxed but far from immobilised. It is an excellent strain for creative brain storming and visualization, and it can act as a powerful social lubricant. While it is not high in CBD, the strain has also been known to help with chronic aches and pains, but it is not a great choice for those with sleep disorders, as the stimulated thoughts can keep people awake.
White Widow
White Widow is one of the most famous cannabis strains in the world, partly due to the insane amounts of resin it produces. Green House Seeds developed the strain in the Netherlands in the 1990s as a cross between Brazilian indica and South Indian sativa landraces. The strain first won the Cannabis Cup in 1995 and it has since gone on to win many more awards, including another Cannabis Cup in 2014.
It is very much a hybrid strain and it has THC levels of up to 20%, which makes it a good choice for both newcomers and experienced smokers. White Widow actually comes in both sativa-dominant and indica-dominant phenotypes.
White Widow buds are chunky and tapered. They have a loose and fluffy texture that can be easily broken, despite their stickiness. The leaves are green and have few visible pistils. However, the buds are completely covered in long-stalked trichomes, which gives the strain a white appearance from which it takes its name. The smoke is not particularly flavoursome, but it is very pungent.
The high from White Widow is cerebral and it will leave users functional and aware of their surroundings. As such, it is great for daytime use when people are seeking an energy boost as well as in social situations. It uplifts the mood and can help with tasks such as cleaning or creative problem solving. In larger dosages there may be mild psychedelic effects, such as visual distortions, and it comes with a mild body buzz.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is another extremely famous cannabis strain that has won several iterations of the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam dating back to 1990. It is almost a pure indica strain at 95% that is enjoyed by both recreational and medical users.
There is some debate over the strain’s origins. Some say that it was first bred in Seattle, Washington, USA, but was then commercialized in Holland by Sensi Seeds. Either way, it has Afghani and Thai genetics, and it is known for being highly sedative.
Due to its potency, Northern Lights is often referred to as a “two hit and quit” strain. It leaves the body pleasantly numbed and lazy and users will most likely want to sit on the couch and eat. At the same time, it comes with a real sense of well-being and happiness. Some also find that it makes them creative, but they may be unable to act upon it until the high has worn off.
Medicinally, many turn to Northern Lights to help with stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. As it is such a powerful appetite stimulant, it can also help with eating disorders.
999 Cannabis Strain Profile
'98 Aloha White Widow Cannabis Strain Profile
