White Widow is one of the most famous cannabis strains ever grown. Who hasn't heard of it? Or who hasn't tried White Widow or one of the ten, if not hundreds, of hybrids from the White family? Many of you will have fond memories of trips to the coffee shops of Holland and your first time taking a toke of iconic Dutch weed. The first time this writer went to an Amsterdam coffee shop, he had Purple Haze all up in his brain, but for many, it's the resin-heavy delights of White Widow.
Strap on your reading boots! We're going on a knowledge hike to learn about the history of White Widow.
History of White Widow
Considered a hybrid between a Brazilian Sativa landrace and a South Indian Indica, White Widow burst onto the scene in 1995 like a popped balloon at a kid's birthday party, winning the Dutch High Times Cup when strains like Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze were dominant. White Widow was a blast of fresh green air and has played a significant role in cannabis past and present.
There are plenty of White Widow strains and even more White Widow Hybrids, but there can only be one original. And that is the one bred by Scott Blakey, the co-founder of Green House Seeds. When you hear Green House Seeds, you automatically think of Arjan or Franco. Still, right back at the start, Scott Blakey, known as Shantibaba, was the person who brought the White Widow to the masses when he introduced it to the early Green House coffee shops, in which it's still on the menu. The 60% indica hybrid bounced on the scene and kicked the mid-90s in the nuts (the 90s was a man) by winning a hatful of awards barely any time after Green House Seeds was born. In 1995 alone, White Widow won the High Times Cup and later swept up at the High Life Cup, Copa Cannabica Del Plata, and collected the Soft Secrets Strain of the Year.
Who is Shantibaba?
Scott Blakey, known as Shantibaba, is renowned for creating White Widow, Super Silver Haze, and CBD-rich strains. He co-founded Green House Seeds in 1994 and later Mr Nice Seed Bank with famous cannabis activist Howard Marks and iconic breeder Nevil Schoenmakers before going on to found CBD Crew in 2007 with Jamie from Resin Seeds.
Though known for his prolific, award-winning work with strains and founding seed banks, Blakey's passion is promoting the medicinal potential of cannabis, particularly CBD and other cannabinoids. He continues to innovate breeding practices and work with landraces. His work has taken him worldwide, from Australia to Asia, South America, and Europe. Thanks to his work and the strains he's produced, Shantibaba remains one of the most pivotal players in the cannabis game.
*When he left Green House Seeds, the seed bank had already won 28 cannabis awards.*
White Widow: Sativa or Indica?
White Widow by Green House Seeds is a 40% sativa, 60% indica hybrid strain from a cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a South Indian Indica. The White Widow THC content tests at between 15% and 25%. It is renowned for its potent effects and high resin production.
White Widow Effects
White Widow effects include a cerebral high that, while intense in large doses, generally enables users to stay functional and aware of their surroundings. This is one of the reasons it is still on the menus in Holland coffee shops. In addition, the strain is known as a mood booster that increases energy and focus.
White Widow Genetics
White Widow is a grower's delight, known for its resilience and high yield. The strain produces dense, crystal-coated buds, earning its name from the thick trichome layer that gives it a white, frosty appearance. Indoor cultivation is often recommended for optimal resin production, but it thrives outdoors in mild climates. Its flowering time ranges from 8 to 10 weeks, making it a relatively quick grower for those eager to enjoy its potent effects.
White Widow - Green House Seeds
White Widow Cannabis Strains
White Widow isn't just a strain; it's a classic cannabis strain with an impressive legacy. Its impact on the cannabis community, from its origins in the mid-90s to its status as a staple in coffee shops and dispensaries worldwide, is undeniable. White Widow is always worth cultivating whether you're a novice, seasoned, or old hat. And you don't have to go for the Green House Seeds White Widow; Amsterdam Seed Center has plenty of options in stock. We have versions from White Label Seeds, Dutch Passion, Medical Seeds, Royal Queen Seeds and many more.