History of White Widow

Breeding History

White Widow is one of the most famous, sought-after, and oft-awarded strains of cannabis in existence.  It shares its ancestry with both sativa and indica cannabis, resulting in what is generally known as a “balanced” hybrid.  The unconfirmed history of White Widow tells of a long period of selective breeding between the two types, which eventually led to strain’s high resin content and, in turn, its high level of THC.  White Widow is thought to have been created by pollinating a pure Brazillian sativa plant with an indica-hybrid from Southern India.

First released in the early 1990s, and awarded the Cannabis Cup in 1995 (it may have been released this year, or earlier – its date of origin is somewhat foggy), White Widow is offered today by many different companies, and has been developed as both feminized and regular strains.  Recognition for its initial conception, however, belongs to a grower in The Netherlands.

Not surprisingly, due to the glowing reviews and recommendations White Widow receives, the strain serves as the foundation for newer hybrids – some quite well known in their own right – including White Russian, White Rhino, and Blue Widow.  It is generally agreed that any Top 10 list worth its salt will feature the much-lauded White Widow strain.

Physical Appearance

Perhaps one of the most recognizable cannabis strains, White Widow is immediately identifiable by its mostly white appearance. Though it has the long, bright green leaves common to sativa strains, the buds and most visible parts of the plant are covered in thick, white, crystallized resin – the origin of the name White Widow – giving it a “sugared” look.

The resin coatings, which make up much of the plant’s THC content, are called trichomes: crystallized hairs that affix to the leaves and buds of all marijuana plants.  Six different glands are responsible for the production of this resin and, in the case of White Widow, a very large amount is created.  As the flowering process goes on, the trichomes continue to thicken, with the resin building upon itself, until much of the White Widow plant is covered in this grainy, sap-like substance.

One result of this excess of trichomes and resin is a high yield of potent buds, another trait for which White Widow is known.

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Growing

White Widow was engineered to thrive in an interior, hydroponic garden, and generally flowers in eight or nine weeks.  The strain resists mold, can tolerate colder climates and, as it is relatively easy to tend, is a fair choice for amateur growers.

Plenty of light is required for growing White Widow, and though a warmer environment will produce the best results, the strain is hardy enough to withstand colder temperatures.  Though it is late to rise – not protruding from the soil for five or six days after planting – at harvest, White Widow produces a considerable yield.

Effect and Flavour

Despite the fact that White Widow is technically an indica-dominant breed, it tends to take after its sativa relatives when it comes to the effects of the high.  But while it certainly creates the social, energetic “euphoria” for which sativa is known, White Widow is also described as relaxing, thanks to its indica roots. The strain has a piney or peppery taste and a lingering citrus flavour.

Though memorable enough with its approximately 20% THC level, White Widow also has a relatively high CBD level, with some plants recording up to 1%.  Keep in mind, while THC levels in the high teens are considered notable, just 4% CBD is considered very high.

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