Strain Review: XJ-13 (sativa)

Our intrepid ganja chronnoisseur, Dragonfly, travels the world in search of the best cannabis and evaluates strains ranging from the popular and plentiful to the rare and exotic. She samples each strain in joints, glass bongs, vaporizers and bubblers, whenever available, taking careful notes of the smell, taste, and nuanced effects of each one. 

XJ-13 is every wake-and-baker’s dream. Packing the “get-up-and-go” of a high-quality coffee sans the caffeinated nervous edge, XJ-13 helps you rise and shine with focused energy to start a productive day. This sativa-dominant pot-bomb is the progeny of Sensi Seeds’ multiple Cannabis Cup-winning Jack Herer crossed with one of the most potent strains in the world—G-13.

As well-known as G-13 is, its origins are by contrast mysterious. Jason King, in his Cannabible series, reports that “no cannabis strain on the planet has more herban legend and rumor associated with it than G-13…” Rumors of its origins run the gamut — from being “bred for its no-ceiling/no-tolerance characteristic,” to being a super-potent strain the U.S. government developed at its lab at the Univ. of Mississippi. King, having seen government weed growing and concluded it is “crap,” thinks the most believable rumor is that G-13 is a cross between Mexico’s Acapulco Gold (sativa) and Afghani (indica).

Judging by effect, G-13 appears to be a heavily indica-dominant strain, known for its frostiness, high yield, and THC content that can test as high as 28%. If only its flavor could be improved, some chronnoisseurs say, G-13 would be an epic strain…

That’s where Jack Herer comes in. Named for the legendary hemp and cannabis activist, Jack Herer is known for its high potency and unique flavor. Its lineage is comprised of 50% Haze, 37.5% Northern Lights, and 12.5% Skunk. Frequent winner of Cannabis Cups, Jack Herer’s parents were carefully selected from literally thousands of phenotypes to create just the right combination of energetic happiness, giggly giddiness, and intellectual stimulation.

The smell: The famous scent of Jack—pungent, peppery haze spiced with a tinge of faintly fruity skunk—combines with the pine of G-13 to create a complex lime and pine backdrop for the sweet, citrus high-notes. On the live plant, XJ-13 is predominantly fruity, but after curing, the sweet fruitiness gives way to a spicier, earthier, musky scent, with faint pine undertones and a light, fruity finish.

The dry hit: Hazy and spicy, dominated by citrus lime, the dry hit leads to a faint detection of pine at the end.

The flavor: G-13 adds punch to the classic taste that is distinctly Jack Herer. XJ-13 is thus pungent and hazy, with cedar and earthy accents underscoring the piney, lime tones of G-13. With XJ-13, what you smell is what you taste.

The high: The effects of XJ-13 come on immediately, lifting you up with a powerful, cerebral high and endowing you with a very visceral body buzz. An excellent choice for a wake-and-bake, the Jack Herer influence delivers a mood that is elevated, clear, and alert, so you can light up early without wrecking your day. It makes creative juices and intellectual conversation flow effortlessly. G-13 balances out the sativa with an indica body stone that makes you just hang out enjoying it without even realizing you’re just hanging out enjoying it—until someone reminds you he’s paying you by the hour.

The word: XJ-13 keeps you actively engaged with regard to matters of the intellect, while providing the focused attention necessary for succeeding at mundane, real-world tasks. It’s great for running errands and sustained physical activity, and ideal for thinking up creative solutions to challenging problems. Because it stimulates both your mind and body, I wouldn’t recommend indulging in this sativa before bed unless you’re planning to do something that doesn’t involve sleeping…