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These legacy strains have stood the test of time by impressing and healing for decades. Here are the first of four strains that we’re honoring for setting the standard of what great cannabis really means. Durban Poison, Master Kush, Acapulco Gold, and Northern Lights.
The legendary Durban Poison strain stands out as a true icon in the cannabis community. This strain is a journey into the heart of South Africa, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and botanical prowess that has captivated enthusiasts and medical patients alike.
Known for its sweet aroma, energetic uplift, and creative spark, Durban Poison is more than just a strain; it's a lifestyle choice for the productive pothead, the adventurous soul, and the medical cannabis patient seeking relief. Our journey today takes us through the origins of this legendary strain, its remarkable effects, and its medical benefits.
You're about to discover why Durban Poison has become a staple in the cannabis community and why it might just be the perfect strain for you.
During a trip to Durban, South Africa, in the 1970s, Ed Rosenthal, an expert breeder and a pioneer in cannabis activism, stumbled upon this gem. Fascinated by its unique qualities and swift flowering time, Rosenthal couldn't resist returning these precious seeds to California. Little did he know, he was about to introduce the world to a strain that would become a national favorite.
The journey of Durban Poison from a local South African treasure to a global cannabis superstar didn't stop with Rosenthal. The strain caught the attention of Mel Frank and Sam the Skunkman, two other titans in the cannabis community. Together, they nurtured and shared the unique strain, helping it gain the popularity it has today. Since its big breakthrough, Durban Poison has won multiple awards, such as 2nd place for best Sativa at NW Cannabis Classic and 7th place for outdoor at the Emerald Cup.
But what makes Durban Poison stand out in the crowded options of cannabis strains? The answer is in its terpenes.
Terpenes, for our newbies out there, are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis. They're the unsung heroes that give strains hypnotizing aromas and contribute to their effects. Durban Poison is a cocktail of terpinolene, myrcene, and ocimene, blending sweet, earthy vibes with a citrus twist. It's like the strain is serenading your senses, leading you to a euphoric dance that's uplifting and energizing.
Durban Poison is the ultimate pick-me-up. Its the rush of a morning espresso shot but way cooler and without the caffeine crash. It's famous for injecting a burst of energy and creativity into your day, making it perfect for when your motivation is as low as your phone's battery life.
It hits you with an uplifting, energetic buzz ideal for tackling tasks, sparking creativity, or simply making your daily grind more enjoyable.
This strain also packs a sensory punch with a sweet, earthy aroma and hints of citrus that promise to please your palate. It's a full-on experience, combining mental clarity and a surge of energy with a flavor profile that's as satisfying as its effects.
So, if you're looking for a strain that can keep you buzzing through your to-do list, inspire your next masterpiece, or just make your day a little brighter, Durban Poison is your go-to.
Durban Poison also has a good rep for its amazing medical benefits, easing the discomfort of multiple conditions.
Whether you're a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Durban Poison is a strain that deserves a spot on your roster. Its storied past, award-winning qualities, and unbelievable benefits make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift the cannabis community. As we continue to explore and appreciate the wide variety of cannabis strains, Durban Poison reminds us of the plant's incredible potential to heal, energize, and bring people together.
When you want the greatest, you turn to the master, and this strain has earned its title. Having spent decades perfecting its art, this classic indica has been a guide for all who have followed.
From its early usage, Master Kush is a strain that has brought balance to its users, with an earthy, spiced scent and classic vintage flavor. This is an indica that brings order out of chaos and teaches the strength found in quiet reflection. Pupils of Master Kush may find themselves in a state of pure physical relaxation while their senses are heightened. Everyday experiences become journeys to a higher plane when Master Kush leads the way.
So what is this mysterious master’s origin story?
Known by many names, Master Kush has been called Grandmaster Kush or High Rise at times. It’s no surprise that this enigmatic indica has kept its origins secretive, and no one quite knows its precise genetic makeup. But its beginnings were from somewhere in the mountainous Hindu Kush region in central south Asia, a region famous for its unique cannabis varieties. The harsh, rugged environment helped this strain achieve its resilience and ability to remain tranquil through periods of intense disharmony.
Master Kush wields its terpenes with precision, care, and strength, etching this indica’s legacy in stone. Terpenes are found in every plant, but in cannabis they are believed to be responsible for each strain’s unique aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. The following terpenes are dominant in Master Kush:
In combination, these terpenes along with a strong THC to CBD ratio provide the balance of potent and serene effects for which Master Kush is well known. Users may find a significant reduction in their anxiety as their bodies find balance in the universe. But it is unlikely to leave you in a state of perpetual meditation, as its uplifting properties can bring a sharpness to the mind that could help you overcome any obstacle.
In the 1960’s, cannabis surged in popularity in the United States, and it wasn’t long before everyone was asking for the same strain: Acapulco Gold. From the lush green mountains overlooking Mexico’s southern beaches, this strain is the five-star resort of sativas. Rich green buds are covered in golden hairs, giving it its signature name and helping it become one of the most recognizable and popular strains in the world.
A floral, earthy aroma bursts from its buds, giving way to a fruity flavor that’s both tasty and energizing. It makes music brighter, colors pop, and flavors burst. No wonder this classic strain became the gold standard by which all other cannabis plants were judged. It lifts both your mood and energy in a smooth and motivating high but still melts your stress away.
The strain is so famous it was featured as Cheech Marin’s character’s favorite strain in the Cheech and Chong movie “Up in Smoke”. It was the favorite strain of Jack Nicholson, and I Love Lucy star Desi Arnaz joked on Saturday Night Live that the crew gifted him with a box of “Acapulco Gold Cigars”.
So where did this celebrity strain come from?
Acapulco Gold originated in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains of state of Geurrero in Mexico, just north of the shimmering beaches of Acapulco. It is considered a landrace strain, meaning that it's specific to its geographic location, perfected by a long history of local cultivation. The first recorded reference to this famed sativa in the United States was in 1964 in the Oxford English Dictionary, which called it “a special grade of cannabis.” It likely earned its name from the orange-gold hues of its many fine hairs, which smuggler Gary Tovar said were due to the way the plant was aged and dried by the winds off the Pacific Ocean.
The sativa was called “connoisseur pot” in the 1960s, known by users to be far more potent and pleasant than what was being grown in the US. Combined with a superior flavor to most strains, Acapulco Gold became synonymous with any high-grade cannabis by the mid 90’s. But there is only one true Acapulco Gold, and it became the parent strain to dozens of cross hybrids in genetics labs across the world.
Acapulco Gold is rich in terpenes that allow its distinct flavor and potent effects. Terpenes are compounds found in every plant, but in cannabis they are believed to be responsible for each strain’s unique aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. Acapulco gold is dominant with the following terpenes:
As a result, Acapulco Gold is an energizing sativa that can lift you up in both body and mind without leaving you anxious or jittery. Many users say it helps relieve their stress, anxiety, and depression, while leaving them motivated and optimistic. With all this, it’s no wonder that Acapulco Gold has a reputation for being of the best cannabis strains ever cultivated – truly worth its weight in gold!
Much like the celestial phenomenon for which it's named, this indica is full of mystery and inspiration. Gazing into an aurora in the night sky reveals the incomprehensible scale of the universe, instilling a tranquil sense of awe. This powerful strain reflects these cosmic sensations of peace and wonder, earning it the name Northern Lights.
An earthy, gassy flavor takes users’ minds on a trip to the stratosphere, while their bodies are left to gravity’s whims, sinking into couches and beds. For some, creativity gets an astronomical boost, releasing thoughts from their earthly bonds. It is one of the purest indica strains out there, so it is equally stress and pain relieving while also having a sedative effect. Nights may be more restful, sleep may be deeper, and dreams may be journeys beyond the stars and galaxies.
So where did this heavenly strain come from?
Despite being one of the most famous and sought after indica strains on planet Earth, the origins of Northern Lights are shrouded in mystery. Many believe the strain originated in the Pacific Northwest, possibly Washington state or even Canada. But ultimately it made its way to Holland, where it was cultivated and perfected in the mid 1980s. In recent years, it has made its way to the US and has become more prominent, as it is always in high demand.
Geneticists believe Northern Lights to be a a combination of two landrace strains (strains that are unique to their specific geographic location) - Thai, a pure sativa with uplifting effects, and Afghani, a pure indica known for being relaxing and soothing. Northern Lights has won many awards over the years and is one of the most sought-after cultivars on the market.
Northern Lights is plentiful in terpenes that give its unique flavor and potent effects. Terpenes are compounds found in every plant, but in cannabis they are believed to be responsible for each strain’s unique aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. The following terpenes are dominant in Northern Lights:
In combination, these terpenes along with a strong THC profile provide the potent and mystical effects that are unique to Northern Lights. While new users may find themselves quickly glued to their couches after only two hits, they still find a heavenly sensation of euphoria and body relaxation as their minds soar to the skies. More experienced users love the strain’s heavy body high and the dreamy headspace it provides. Either way, Northern Lights is a strain that fills you with cosmic wonder and is universally loved.