Have you ever heard someone jumping for joy because the pot club still had some O.G. Kush in stock? Or maybe someone suggested you try Super Lemon Haze because it’s the best they have ever smoked. Regardless how you heard the names I know your confused. Here are some reasons for the wacky names in cannabis today. First a little talk about genetics.
Let’s start with Indica and Sativa. Two totally different types of cannabis plant with not only it’s own growth characteristics, but also two totally separate highs. Indica plants grow short and bulky. Sativa plants grow tall and lanky. Indica highs are very body oriented and might be compared to a light sedative or pill in it’s effect. While a Sativa high is very head heavy or can cause your thoughts to race or become easier to flow. On top of all that, most of the cannabis you inhale or ingest today is a mixed breed or hybrid. It’s great because you will get to experience the highs from both worlds. Some breeds are Indica dominant, meaning you will feel both highs but the Indica feel will be stronger. Some breeds are Sativa dominant, meaning
you will again feel both highs but the Sativa feel will be stronger. Now back to the names!
There’s an old growers tale that the feds are responsible for naming the breed Silver Haze. Story says that pilots in search of illegal grow operations on national parks would search for a silver shine or haze being reflected off of that particular crop! The truth is that cannabis having names has let in fakers and shakers trying to make a sale. Some growers simply go with what the cannabis looks like or smells like when finished. Meaning, if the buds smell fruity, they might use a name like Strawberry Bang! (Made That Up!) or something like Orange Peel ( Made That Up Too). Other growers use the physical appearance or color of the bud to produce a name. Sounds senseless but here’s the kicker.
Some breed names already mean what type of cannabis it is! For example, have you ever smoked Grand Daddy Purple? If a breed has PURPLE or PURPS in the name than that means it’s Indica dominant. (remember earlier) This is widely known but it gets a little trickier. Some names stem from the region in the world they started. Today we have breed hunters blazing the globe to find not only ancient genetics but today’s latest and greatest creations.
What To Do
Have no fears. The Internet today has it all for grabs. Your responsibility is to do the research on any names you hear. It will directly impact your cannabis experience. Remembering the name of the bud on your favorite type of high will make you a fan of naming cannabis. By the time the names mean anything to you this whole subject will be a snap. Can you really feel the difference from Indica to Sativa? Check the next article and good luck!
