Classic Cannabis Strains

What are classic cannabis strains?

Classic cannabis strains are those from which the whole variety of modern strains stem. These are your landraces—pure indica and sativa varieties—and the very first Western cultivated strains, which even today are some of the most popular available.

From around the 60s onward, these strains began to be classified and bred. Today, they form the genetic bedrock of pretty much every strain available. Over time, more and more hybrids have popped up, combining the best bits of one with the best bits of another.

Even so, the old classics are still hard to beat.

Examples of cannabis classics

There are quite a few classic cannabis strains in the world today, and it’s likely that more than one will ring a bell. Here are some of the most famous:

• OG Kush: Like most classic strains, the exact origin of OG Kush is unknown. It seems likely that it derives from a Hindu Kush landrace crossed with something else. What we do know is that OG Kush was refined on the West Coast of the US, and is classically dank and very potent.

• Chemdawg: This strain likely originates from Thai and Nepalese sativa landraces. Highly potent, energetic, and famous for its diesel smell, many of the classic strains are thought to have a bit of Chemdawg in them.

• Sour Diesel: Thought to be bred from Chemdawg and an unidentified sativa, Sour Diesel has around 90% sativa genetics, up to 26% THC, and up to 2% CBD. This makes for an extremely potent yet balanced high, finished off with a rich “chemical” taste.

• White Widow: Among the most well-known of the classic cannabis strains, White Widow is still a firm favourite among smokers today. Famed for its high trichome count, it won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1995 and has never really gone out of style.

• Acapulco Gold: A pure sativa from Mexico, this strain is famous and rare. Said to have notes of burnt coffee, its flavours and aromas are unique. Combined with an energising sativa high, this explains how it fits into the annals of cannabis history.

• Skunk #1: As the name suggests, this was the first “commercial” Skunk strain, and it is from this that all the others come. Bred from Afghan, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold, it’s an early hybrid that has had a big impact.

• Jack Herer: Named after the famous cannabis activist, this strain was developed by Sensi Seeds in the 1980s. Known for its delicious fruity flavour and well-balanced effects, it’s one to look out for!

• Northern Lights: Originally bred from pure indica Afghan landraces, this strain has gone on to offer its genetic code to many hybrids. Nevertheless, the original still remains a firm favourite for its powerful stone.

Why grow classic cannabis strains?

Unless you’ve tried these strains, it might be hard to understand exactly why they’ve retained so much fame. Even with new varieties constantly being released, the classics have something that is hard to match. What’s more, not only do they produce great buds and great effects, but their role in producing today’s modern cannabis strains is essential.

Classic cannabis strains: find them at Zamnesia

Here at Zamnesia, as well as delving into the exciting future of new cannabis strains, we won’t let the past go either. You’ll find a whole range of classic seeds available for you to grow at home to keep the past alive and understand how it all started.