There’s a few OG marijuana strains that are synonymous with the cannabis industry. Even non-consumers are able to identify certain genetics, like ‘kush’ varieties or the types that have been featured in classic cannabis cinema. As hybrids, and genetics evolve quickly, these long-standing and legendary strains remain as top-shelf choices and popular, overall.
But, exactly where did the most notorious genes come from? Who bred them, and how are they elevated above the rest? Impress your next smoke sesh circle and buds with the answers to the history of weed’s past. Keep reading for a fun historical lesson, on how the most legendary strains came to be.
The History of Legendary Genetics
Weed is nothing ‘modern’ as cannabis plants been grown, and consumed since ancient civilizations past. The strains we know today however, have been brought to light with the advancements in technology, genetic research and testing. Luckily, cannabis pioneers have tracked certain genes through the years to preserve these classic strains. So, let’s see just where the most notable strains have come from and how we know them, today.
OG Kush
Listed as High Times #1 greatest strains of all-time, it’s no surprise we’re exploring OG Kush’s past, first. The strain is also often dubbed as ‘The Queen of Cali’ and has been a longtime favourite for quite some time. It’s said OG Kush was first cultivated in Florida in the 90’s after a Northern California strain was crossed with a Hindu Kush phenotype from Amsterdam. It became popular in Los Angeles, after Matt ‘Bubba’ Berger moved there from Florida and teamed up with legendary cultivator Josh D. Later, another popular strain ‘Bubba Kush’ came from Berger, and has gained similar notoriety.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue, AKA, GG, AKA GG4 is one of the most sought after strains, today. Consumers may be surprised to hear that it only hit the scene in 2013 from Nevada breeder Joesy Whales. The strain quickly gained ‘classic’ level status due to its ability to stick to its name – gluing users to the couch or seat, they’re smoking it in. But the name actually came from the sticky nature of the buds, hence Joesy titling it after the sticky adhesive – Gorilla Glue. Since its emergence, GG has been winning the hearts of consumers and accolades alike, winning awards internationally in countries like Jamaica and the US.
Girl Scout Cookies
Another award-winning strain, that’s notoriously known is Girl Scout Cookies. The unique name makes it notable to most, but GSC’s effects makes it popular for frequent consumers. Girl Scout Cookies is a classic example or offspring of two other legends. The strain was bred from OG Kush and Durban Poison, who are legendary in their own rights. Little is known about the strain’s origins, except for the fact that it came out of San Francisco around 2011. The strain is at times called ‘Berner’s Cookies’ as cannabis mogul and rapper ‘Berner’ brought it to light and mainstream consumers. Most notably, Berner shared GSC with Wiz Khalifa, who helped it rise to fame.
Pineapple Express
Before the movie…the strain Pineapple Express was rarely known. But the instant stoner cult-classic flick inspired the new genetics that have quickly risen to legendary status. Since the movie references ‘the dopest dope’ breeders were inspired to cross-breed a potent representation of what may have been smoked in the film. The result was a cross of Trainwreck x Hawaiian for a fruity flavoured hybrid strain that boasts levels of THC at 24%+. Since no one breeder can be attributed with the exact genetics, there are a variety of phenotypes available on the market with the same name.
White Widow
White Widow is a definite OG in the marijuana market, and has been around since the 1990’s. So, original that the strain was bred by landrace strains – specifically, a cross between a Brazilian indica and South Indian sativa. The genetics we know today, were originally bred by pot pioneers in the Netherlands at Green House Seeds and began winning awards in the US by 1995. Its name references the resinous, ‘white’ coating of trichomes which it was specifically bred for high counts of. If you’ve ever visited Amsterdam, White Widow is a staple on the coffee shop menu’s, too.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel or Sour D is one of the most popular and highly-sought after Sativa strains. It’s notorious for it’s ‘gassy’ diesel like aromas, and is top-rated by medical patients for comforting yet energizing effects for daytime use. Sour Diesel’s origins are as elusive as its availability can be at times, but can be dated back to sometime in the 80’s or 90’s. It’s said to be a cross breed of Chem Dog 91 and Super Skunk, but exact parentage is highly debated across the industry.
Gelato
Gelato is another ‘newbie’ legend, that’s gained classic recognition with cannabis consumers over the recent years. The genetic comes from the famed ‘cookies’ line and originated out of the San Francisco Bay area in Northern California. Legend says, it was bred by the Sherbinskis family, and California cultivator Mario Guzman. Gelato is a cross of Thin Mint GSC x Sunset Sherbert and uniquely is nicknamed ‘Larry Bird’ in some circles. Due to the fact that Gelato #33 is a popular phenotype, worn by the famed NBA player. The name Gelato however, comes from the gene’s sweet and creamy flavours.
The Future of Classic Strains
Now, many of these strains have been cross-bred to produce some of our latest and most favourite hybrids. Helping a whole new class of genetics get their time to shine. More often than not, if you’re seeking a new strain to try and recognize one of the parent strains as a ‘standby’ – then you know it’s going to be good.
MMJDirect not only offers the OG strains you love, but a wide variety of unique hybrids that come from classic gene families. So, if there’s one variety you particularly benefit from – there’s a good chance you’ll like its ‘cousin’ strain, too. Start browsing MMJDirect’s collection today, and make what’s ‘old’, new again for you.