Complete Guide to the White Widow Cannabis Strain
Dubbed one of the most famous strains in the world by the popular Science magazine, this strain has taken the cannabis industry by storm since its introduction in the late 90s’. A testament to its legendary status is the several potent hybrid varieties like White Russian, White Rhino, and Blue Widow that have been derived from it.
This hybrid cultivar has also earned the admiration of classic cannabis aficionados and growers because of the sensation it induces and the relative ease associated with growing it. In this article, we shall be providing details on this award-winning classic. Keep reading to find out interesting facts.
The genesis of the White Widow Strain
Although there is a bit of controversy surrounding the mother plant of this hybrid variety, some experts have surmised that the mother plant of this variety is the Brazilian Manga Rosa. From all we know, the White Widow is the result of the crossing between a Brazilian Sativa landrace and a South Indian Indica.
This Dutch sweetheart has graced several Dutch coffee shops since its advent in 1994 by Shantibaba, the former co-owner of Green House seeds. Therefore it is not surprising seeing a lot of growers purchasing White Widow feminized seeds from seed banks all over the world.
Understanding the White Widow Strain
The following is a list of traits possessed by this cultivar that cannabis enthusiasts, growers, and users would find useful and they are:
- It is a Sativa dominant hybrid
Although this hybrid variety is usually regarded as a balanced hybrid i.e. having a 50%: 50% Sativa to Indica ratio, research states that the White Widow strain is a Sativa dominant one. This crossbreed has a 60% to 40% Sativa to Indica ratio.
- Manifestation of Indica features
Despite being predominantly Sativa, the White Widow strain exhibits indica characteristics, especially in the vegetative phase of its growth and this is usually evinced by its short and bushy appearance.
- It is a flexible hybrid
The White Widow strain is noted for its adaptability to a wide range of growing mediums. Hence, whether you want to plant them in the soil, coco coir, or hydroponics, your plant will turn out fine provided you carry out other necessary steps. According to Highway420, this ’90s hybrid has been proven to yield exceptional harvests when the ScrOG or hydroponic method is used.
- Its name is suggestive of one of its most prominent features
Unlike some cannabis strains which derive their names from a combination of their parent’s name or their distinctive aroma, this strain gets its name from its outlook. The name White Widow came from the layer of white trichomes covering this specie.
- It is a resin-heavy plant
One of its most unmistakable attributes is its off-the-roof resin secretion and its potency has been attributed to this feature. And this is because highly resinous cannabis plants contain high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes thereby making them more potent. Also, its heavy resin secretion makes it highly suitable for outdoor cultivation as it wards pests off which affects yields.
- It has an earthy taste and pungent smell
The White Widow has a pungent and ammonia-like scent with hints of sandalwood, fruits, and spices. For its flavor, users have reported it has an earthy taste. Therefore users who have a preference for fruity and delectable strains may not find this variety appealing. Also, users of this strain have to be wary of being ratted out by nosy neighbors as she announces herself with her ashy smoke when combusted.
- It produces fairly good yields
Cannabis experts have described this cultivar as a strain of moderate yield. On average when grown indoors, this strain produces a yield of about 500g/m2 while it delivers a yield of 600g per plant when groomed outdoors.
- It is not a very tall plant
Unlike some cannabis plants boasting a height of 10 feet, the White Widow can best be described as a short to medium-height plant. On average, her height lands between 150- 200cm. So, she barely ever exceeds 6 feet. Even as at that, only outdoor strains boast of this height as indoor strains have a stature of 3cm.
- It is an award-winning strain
This classic favorite has several accolades and awards to justify its high ranking among other varieties with the most reputable being its High Times Cannabis Cup win. What made this win particularly interesting is that it earned this title during her first year of entering the cannabis market.
- It has a high amount of THC
Users who love THC-rich species are usually fans of the White Widow as its THC concentration averages around 20% with some phenotypes even reaching as high as 25%. These numbers are considered high by industry standards since they are above the 15% THC threshold.
- This strain does not thrive in harsh climes
The White Widow strain healthily thrives in regions with mild temperatures falling between 70 and 80°F. Growers should note that this strain doesn’t grow optimally grow under cold temperatures as it damages the plant.
- Vegetative and flowering phase duration
This 90’s feminized hybrid has a vegetative phase that lasts for about 8 weeks and an average budding phase of 7-9 weeks when grown indoors. When grown outdoors, it is ready for harvesting in the early weeks of October.
- It has enhancement and focus-inducing abilities
Due to its cerebral effects which immediately sets in, this girl power strain can enhance the perception and sensory abilities of its users. Thus, this user favorite would be a good strain to hit when listening to music or viewing art. Also, users have reported that is a good remedy for attention deficit disorders as it enables them to focus on a task.
- It has a good number of clinical applications
Apart from its recreational use, patients suffering from PTSD, migraines, anxiety, stress, and depression-related symptoms have testified that White Widow alleviated their conditions.
- Side effects
Some side effects commonly associated with combusting this strain are dry mouth, dry eyes, and paranoia. For the first side effect, being properly hydrated is a good way to cure cotton mouth. Dry eyes on the other hand can be cured by purchasing an over-the-counter eye gel. Users who experience paranoia are advised to reduce their intake as some cases may be due to a low weed tolerance. They are also advised to consult a medical professional for advice.
Final thoughts
When compared to other strains the White Widow is relatively easy to grow for both rookie and expert cannabis farmers. Also, its pest and mold-resistant qualities mean that growers would not be spending money on insecticides and pesticides. For users, this strain offers them the best of both worlds by fusing the energizing buzz of a Sativa with the calming feel of an Indica.