We’ve all heard that weed in the 60s and 70s was much weaker than weed today.
That’s because breeders have continuously come up with new strains.
They have made them more potent and easier to grow.
Along the way, there were some famous strains that had an outsized impact.
Today, we are going to take a look at these history-making strains that changed the game.
Keep reading to learn which strains moved things forward the most. We will also show you where you can buy the seeds (when available), in case you want to try your hand at growing some of these world-famous marijuana strains.
Contents
Strains That Changed the Game
All of the following strains made a huge impact when they were first discovered or created, and they continue to have an impact today.
Hindu Kush/Hindi Kush
Hindu Kush is the oldest cannabis strain in the world. It is known for its earthy, sandalwood flavor and deep meditative, and relaxing effects.
The strain is believed to have originated in the cold, dark mountainous regions around India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These countries are renowned for some of the finest cannabis in the world. The strain came to America in the mid-1970s and changed the cannabis industry.
Hindu Kush is a pure indica strain and it provides stable genetics. It continues to impress cannabis aficionados around the world. This strain also gave rise to popular strains like OG Kush, Pink Kush, Master Kush, Bubba Kush, and Purple Kush. If you are wondering how to grow more potent weed, these strains are your answer.
Cannabis Ruderalis
Ruderalis cannabis is a different, lesser-known species of cannabis; one separate from cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. This species has special characteristics which set it apart from the indica and sativa species.
Ruderalis grows in harsh climates and originated in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. It is a short-growing plant with broad leaves. Since its THC content is a lot lower than that of sativa and indica, it is also less psychoactive.
The best feature of ruderalis is that it is auto-flowering and develops flowers despite low-light conditions. This feature has made it popular with growers looking for faster cultivation cycles.
Popular ruderalis strains are Northern Lights Auto, Do-Si-Dos Auto, and Ruderalis Skunk.
A big knock on autoflowers was always their lower yield. But these days, there are many high-yielding autoflower strains, so this is no longer as much of an issue.
Colombian Gold
As the name indicates, this pure sativa strain originated in Colombia under high humidity, heavy rain, and windy conditions. Every weed grower and user highly respects this strain.
Even if you have not used it, you may have enjoyed the strain’s genetics at some point. It is the foundation strain for other popular ones like Skunk, etc.
Colombian Gold took the cannabis world by storm, because people enjoyed its golden buds and the cerebral high it provides. It is an ideal strain for those seeking clarity of mind even while medicated. Colombian gold has just 17% THC but it also has terpenes that combine with it to give “energized yet grounded” relaxation.
Thai Stick
Do not confuse the Thai Stick cigar with the strain known as Thai Stick. The former is a cigar, while the latter is a cannabis strain used for making these cigars.
At the time of the Vietnam War, indigenous people cultivated the Thai strain in the hilly parts of north and northeast Thailand. It became popular with war veterans during the 1960s and 1970s.
We must mention here that Thailand has a long history of cannabis use. Thai people used it not just in traditional medicine but also for cooking and spiritual practices.
American soldiers brought the Thai strain to the United States in the 1960s. Its popularity quickly grew as more and more people appreciated its herbal, fruity, earthy, and rich flavor. Thai Stick has a THC content between 18-24%. It provides a sense of euphoria and is also ideal for relaxation.
The Thai stick strain has played a major role in the global cannabis culture. Many growers experimented with creating hybrids using this strain with excellent results.
Bruce Banner Cannabis Strain
Bruce Banner is a hybrid strain with a THC content between 15% and 26%. It is known for its sweet, citrusy, earthy flavor with hints of diesel, herbal tea, and strawberry.
The Bruce Banner #3 strain won at the Denver US Cannabis Cup and holds the title of the most potent strain ever tested in the history of the High Times Cannabis Cups. No wonder it is named after the alter ego of Hulk.
Many cannabis connoisseurs love Bruce Banner’s uplifting, energizing, relaxing, and calming effects.
Haze
Two brothers in California developed the Haze strain in the 1960s. Haze is the giant, or long walker, of the cannabis world. Initially, it was supposed to be a Sativa-only strain but soon became a blend of Sativa and Indica.
It is renowned for its high THC content. Use it with caution, because it is known to cause paranoia in some people. Experienced smokers love Haze for the cerebral high and euphoric effect it provides.
The Haze strain contains a blend of strains from Mexico, India, and Colombia. Once stabilized, it gave way to many legendary strains, including Jack Herer, (King of Cannabis Nevil Schoenmakers’s) Neville’s Haze, Super Silver Haze, Amnesia Haze, etc.
Jack Herer Cannabis Strain
The Jack Herer cannabis strain is highly respected. People love it for its uplifting effects and health benefits. These characteristics have made it a top choice for both recreational users and medical patients.
The Jack Herer Cannabis Strain combines many top landrace strains, including Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk.
The strain is named after Jack Herer, the founder of H.E.M.P, an organization that rallied to ‘Help End Marijuana Prohibition’ in the US. Herer has been deeply revered and respected in the cannabis community since he became the voice for the cannabis legalization movement in America.
Skunk #1
Sam The Skunkman created the Skunk strain with a group of cannabis growers who called themselves the Sacred Seeds Collective.
Skunk #1 is the original Skunk strain, which has been the biggest influence on cannabis genetics since the 1970s. Sam created it by crossing the purebred Afghani landrace strain with Acapulco Gold and Colombian Gold.
Skunk #1 was the driving force behind the start of modern indoor cannabis cultivation using artificial light and greenhouses.
Chem Dawg
The origins of the hybrid Chemdawg strain (also called Chem Dog) are shrouded in mystery. Some believe it may have landraces strains like Thai and Nepalese. Others believe it to be hybrids of strains named by the growers as ‘Chem’ and ‘Dog’.
Either way, the Sativa strain was first created in 1991 on the California/Oregon border.
People love Chem Dawg for its energizing and euphoric high. It also has a distinctive aroma, which is a mix of earthy, citrusy, and diesel flavors.
Chemdawg has become a staple in the cannabis industry and is the powerhouse behind strains like Sour Diesel, Super Snow Dog, Alien Dawg, etc.
History-Making Cannabis Strains: Final Thoughts
Much of what we smoke these days only exists because of one, or several, of the history-making marijuana strains listed above. Have you had a chance to try any, or perhaps even all, of these strains? If you’ve smoked several, which is your favorite?
Let me know in a comment below. You can also let me know if there are any other game-changing cannabis strains that deserve a spot on this list.
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