Cultivation
The Classic Cannabis Strains We Miss
Here at Cannabis Now we’ve combed the globe over many years in search of the best cultivators had to offer, but sadly not all of the amazing cuts we’ve seen are still with us, due to various circumstances.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on some of the great strains that are not or are barely with us anymore.
Some of these strains we consider to have been among the best in the world during their heyday. But, as with most things in life, it’s tough to stay at the top of the mountain. Issues such as a lack of genetic preservation of the best phenotypes, shifts in consumer tastes and — of course — law enforcement interference can derail a strain’s dominance.
Here are a few of our favorites from the history books.
Green Crack
One of the more popular sativas of the late 2000s, Green Crack had the honor of being one of the least politically correct names out there. Hence it fell off its surfboard early as the corporate wave hit the industry. What Green Crack lacked in mainstream branding appeal it made up for in kick and easily ranked not too far behind the ultra-elite sativas like AJ’s Sour Diesel and the Arcata Trainwreck cut.
Arjan’s Ultra Haze #2
While the Green House Seeds team are not the originators of Haze in Amsterdam, they definitely helped take its fame and pedigree to new levels. While you can still get your hands on the multiple-time cup winner Super Lemon Haze, Green House Seeds early crushers like Arjan’s Haze line and Super Silver Haze seem a lot harder to come by nowadays. We lucked out on scoring some Super Silver Haze recently, so now we’re hoping to see Arjan’s Ultra Haze #2 pop up again soon.
Blueberry Hashplant
While Canada’s western provinces are a bit more synonymous with cannabis, the Montreal dispensary scene has been crushing for a long time. Back in the day, Blueberry Hashplant was the crown jewel of French-speaking rotations. Believed to be a cross of DJ Short’s Blueberry and G13, this strain was a bit scratchy on the throat, but it was a small price to pay while enjoying the trichome-soaked buds.
Pine Tar Kush
Pine Tar Kush is an inbred Pakistani landrace indica. When put in the right hands, this strain turns into pure magic. At the turn of the decade, one of California’s top indoor cultivators got his hands on it. Not long after, Pine Tar Kush made its way to the top shelf of some of the biggest dispensaries in the world, where it served as best-in-show for the better part of a year. Sadly, Pine Tar’s toe-numbing high was gone as fast as it arrived.
Purple Kush
The fall of Purple Kush may be the most directly tied to law enforcement. When Oaksterdam University was raided by the DEA in 2012, the mother plants that many cultivators in California were getting their cuts from died. Some impersonators have popped up since, but nothing compares. Sometimes people forget that kind of thing happened in the cannabis world during the Obama administration.
Romulan
Romulan’s lineage is a bit of a mystery, but it definitely got preserved in Western Canada for a while. For many, Romulan was the quintessential medical cannabis indica hybrid. We’re clueless as to why it didn’t hold up to the test of time with the market, but you can still grab seeds of it at reputable places online.
Northern Lights #5 x Haze
Legend says the Northern Lights #5 was the end result of a massive propagation project in Canada quite some time ago. After it was paired with an old school Haze, the rest was history. Northern Lights #5 x Haze would find its way into many crosses over the years, but has faded into the lore of cannabis genetics of the past.
Mendocino Purps
When it comes to straight purple, Mendo Purps was a part of the purple trifecta completed by Granddaddy Purps and Purple Erkel. While GDP was easier to grow Erkel, the Mendo Purps stood out in the pack. While purple hype may have left the masses, it still runs strong in plenty of urban centers.
TELL US, what cannabis strains do you miss?