From flavour and effects to yields and cultivation history, many attributes factor into whether a cannabis strain is considered a classic.
We have these classic cannabis strains to thank for serving as the foundation for the many thousands of cultivars we know and love today. More often than not, you can trace the genetics of newer strains to a classic parent or two. The pantheon of legends includes Skunk and Cheese, two pungent strains that arguably introduced a whole new generation to the world of cannabis.
However, it's not just old-school genetics that can be categorised as classic cannabis strains. The modern cultivar Gorilla Glue upped the ante as one of the first pioneering strains to reach the 30% THC milestone. And it's not just THC-laden strains that are of interest. As the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, there are also some classic CBD strains, such as CBD Therapy, to be discovered. These are just a few examples of the classic cannabis strains you're likely to find here.
Whether you're new to cannabis or consider yourself a veteran grower, you're in for a treat when it comes to these strains. They're called “classics” for good reason.
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Exceptionally flavoursome and potent, Blue Dream from Zamnesia Seeds is a hybrid strain of distinct character and sophistication. A choice mix of Blueberry and Haze strains, Blue Dream manages to draw out the very best from both sides. Her shortened flowering time of just 9 weeks leaves other Haze strains in the dust!
This easy to grow plant is the most popular strain of Serious Seeds. It is of medium height and produces good yields quite quickly. Available as Regular as well as Feminized seeds.
Very much a plucky pot provider, Critical from Zamnesia Seeds is a (mostly) indica strain that is high on potency and even higher on yields. A meticulous combination of Afghani and Skunk, she is a short but remarkably sweet strain that flourishes under minimal supervision. In Just 7 weeks of flowering she is ready to share her bountiful bud with you.
Big Buddha Cheese is an award-winning strain, and one of the most popular varieties in the UK. Featuring a trademark flavour profile and a surging, energetic high, this Cheese variant harnesses the best genetics to produce a robust and unforgettable hybrid.
GG#4 Auto by FastBuds is a spectacular autoflower that shines with incredible resin production, very high potency, and a superb taste. This autoflowering variant of the award-winning GG #4 is just the right strain if want top-quality buds at harvest time, but appreciate the ease and convenience of an autoflower!
Purple Punch by Zamnesia Seeds is a dreamy indica that shines with an exquisite taste and an incredibly relaxing effect. Despite her compact size, this almost pure indica is very easy to grow and can deliver great yields.
Neville's Haze is an almost pure Sativa and boasts with an incredibly intense cerebral high, be prepared for a long-lasting, euphoric, creative, stimulating, introspective, very spiritual and psychoactive sensation alongside a gentle body numbing effect. The buds are covered in tons of trichomes and the smell is best described as "a skunk got into your spice rack."
Original Glue (GG4S1) is a masterful creation from the breeders at GGStrains. THC levels of up to 30% and a delicious terpene profile have made her soar in popularity. This is the official, original strain formerly known as Gorilla Glue.
White Widow is very likely one of the most renowned cannabis varieties of all times - and not groundless. This mix of Brazilian and South Indian genetics is known for its extreme resin production and potency. Despite the strong Indica influence it takes White Widow 8-10 weeks to reach full maturity but the yield of up to 800g/m² is a more than generous reward.
Basing on the cannabis plants from both Americas and using some advanced cross breeding techniques, the Barney's Farm breeders managed to develop a nostalgic yet modern strain with exceptionally high THC content, smooth Sativa high and distinctive analgesic properties: Acapulco Gold!
Super Silver Haze is a highly decorated strain and probably one of the most sought after Sativa hybrids - this multiple award-winning variety has been created by mixing the genetics of Skunk, Northern Lights and Haze. Super Silver Haze develops long branches, performs great in a ScrOG setup and responds very good to LST (Low Stress Training). THC level of 19%.
Want to grow a true landrace sativa? Here's your chance; Beldia originates from the Riff Mountains in Morrocco and boasts a delicious hash-like aroma and gentle high incomparable to that of modern THC-rich strains.
This rare landrace strain from the northernmost island of Japan features a unique genotype distinct from European hemp varieties. She has a fast flowering time, low cannabinoid levels, and high resistance to pests.
Malawi is a 100% pure Sativa landrace from Central Africa. This weed provides an extraordinarily powerful, intense and psychedelic high of more than 4 hours of duration. Highly recommended for die-hard and experienced smokers with a high tolerance - novices should approach this stuff with optimistic caution. Requires 11-14 weeks to reach maturity.
The “strongest strain on earth” is now available from BSB Genetics! Award-winning Bruce Banner will smash you in the head with a powerful, energising, and creative high. With some phenotypes clocking in at an unreal 32% THC, you won’t need more than one hit to say goodbye to procrastination and hello to new levels of inspiration and motivation!
Ever wondered what Jimi was riffing about in 1967? With Purple Haze Automatic, it's never been easier to experience the magic of Purple Haze yourself. In just 65 days, this compact auto will reward you with top-shelf sativa buds that'll take you on a long-lasting, trippy, and creative journey.
We hate to toot our own horn, but we've really done it this time; Purple Haze is an A-grade sativa with a big cerebral high and delicious aromas that'll fill you with euphoria and creative energy after just a few tokes. Order your seeds below and add a real classic to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Native to the Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia, Colombian Gold is a landrace variety that contains plenty of aromatic terpenes and a respectable level of THC. It's a sativa-dominant plant, which is noticeable to the naked eye—specimens grow tall and lanky with lots of branches. It's also a highly vigorous variety, pleasing growers with its high resistance to mould and rewarding...
Easy to grow: This low-maintenance strain is resilient and fast to finish. Unique flavours: Experience notes of earth, fuel, and coffee. Powerful effects: Backed by a high THC content. Strong heritage: Bubba Kush and ruderalis form the perfect genetic foundation.
Award-winning genetics: Power Plant is a celebrated cup winner from the 1990s. Creative effects: Work or play, Power Plant will elevate your experience with her cerebral buzz. Great flavor: Enjoy sharp sativa notes that are sweet, spicy, and earthy all at once. Easygoing plants: A little...
Meditative effects: Experience the indica embrace. Dazzling looks: Enjoy purple flowers come harvest. Suited to cooler climates: Accessible to most growers. Classic, tasty flavours: Deep, sweet, and fruity.
Unbeatable yields: Expect extra-heavy harvests indoors and out! Old-school genetics: Critical Mass is a descendant of mighty landrace and Skunk strains. Easy growing: True to her Skunk heritage, Critical Mass is compact and resilient. Great taste and potency: Get ready to enjoy a sweet,...
Great potency: Gear up for 22% THC and strong cerebral effects. Pungent flavour: Notes of coffee and earth intertwine. Large yields: Rake in up to 600g/plant outdoors. Powerful genetics: Bubba Kush derives from OG Kush x Bubba Kush.
70% sativa genetics: Perfect for lovers of energetic strains. Fast flowering time: Just 7–8 weeks! Moderate strength: 18% THC. Huge yields: Up to 900g/plant outdoors.
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.
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.
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.
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.