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Michaels COPYRIGHTED: & NOT AUTHORIZED STRAIN VARIETIES Christiansen FOR DISTRIBUTION

100% sativa [14 profiles] 0%

sativa [40 profiles]

50% hybrid [60 profiles] hybrid 50% to Marijuanato Guide Field A [39 profiles] indica hybrid

0% [39 profiles] indica 100%

Green: A Field Guide to explores today’s very By Dan Michaels best cannabis strains in glorious full color. The “Primer” $30.00 U.S. / £15.99 U.K. Photographs by Erik Christiansen section demystifies the culture of this complex flower and A Field Guide explains the botany that makes each strain unique. The “Buds” section describes the variations of lineage, flavor, aroma, and mental or physical high that define 170 exceptional strains. to Marijuana Smart, practical, and beautiful, Green is essential reading for both the cannabis connoisseur and the occasional toker. Primer p/11 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION

Cannabis Overview

In order to truly appreciate and enjoy all the wonderful things marijuana has to offer, we must first lay a healthy foundation of knowledge on which to build our experiences. Lies, propaganda, and misinformation about marijuana have proliferated through- out history and it is only through proper education and the sharing of accurate information that we can start to undo the harm this has caused. Famous scientist and botanist George Washington Carver wisely said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” Hopefully, with the help of the enlightenment provided in this book, we can all continue to spread the truth that has already begun turning this key. Primer p/12 Primer p/13 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION What Is Marijuana?

Figuratively, marijuana is earth’s greatest gift to mankind. Physically, marijuana is a 7,000 bc 1937 1,000+ natural body and mind–altering First known use of cannabis Year the U.S. federal government Estimated number of different treat. Literally, marijuana is the plant in China. passed the Marijuana Tax Stamp Act marijuana strains created. budding flower of the female making marijuana illegal. cannabis plant.

But what makes marijuana so desirable is that it naturally produces a multitude 0 220m+ of diverse chemical compounds called Number of deaths caused from 1/3 “phtyo-.” When consumed, Estimated number of adult marijuana these cannabinoids produce a variety of using marijuana. The total worldwide cannabis users worldwide according to the wide-ranging effects on the human mind cultivation and production that United Nations. and body by activating and stimulating our body’s internal receptors. takes place in North America. All humans and animals naturally possess these “endo-cannabinoids” receptors. This complex cannabinoid system is the 75+ very reason cannabis has been consumed for both recreational and medicinal Number of diverse chemical 420 purposes by ancient cultures and modern compounds, called cannabinoids, $300 ’s universally societies alike. found naturally in cannabis. The most well-known cannabinoid is Average price for an ounce of accepted time (4:20) to enjoy mari- called delta 9- (THC). marijuana in the . juana and date (April 20) to observe It is the psychoactive chemical that pro- and celebrate cannabis. duces the desirable “high” or “stoned” feeling when consumed. The other primary cannabinoid is 14% known as (CBD). It has been found to be an effective treatment for a Average THC potency found 1996 wide range of health conditions and thanks in marijuana compared to 1% 2014 to modern scientific research, we’ve finally Year passed been able to quantify and prove these in the 1970s. Prop 215, making it the first Year Colorado became the first health benefits. state ever to legalize marijuana state to sell legalized marijuana for medicinal use. for recreational use. Primer p/16 PrimerCANNABIS IS CLASSIFIEDp/17 INTO THREE SPECIES: SATIVA , INDICA , OR RUDERALISCOPYRIGHTED: . NOT AUTHORIZED The cannabis we love to smoke is either indica, sativa, or usually a hybrid of theFOR two. DISTRIBUTION

LONG, THIN WIDE, BROAD What Are Strains? LEAVES LEAVES

A marijuana strain is simply a particular variety of the cannabis plant. Not so simple is the breeding process and genetic makeup within each strain. Lucky for us all there are master growers, creative breeders, and other amazing minds hard at work behind the scenes hunting for, cloning, and creating all the super strains LIGHT DEEP that are available to all of us today. COLOR COLOR

But you don’t need to be an expert to Hybrids provide a combination of understand that all strains fall into one effects that depend on the strains’ lineage— vs. of three main categories: (1) sativa, their parents. Typically these hybrids are SATIVA INDICA (2) indica, or (3) hybrid. Sativa and either indica or sativa dominant, meaning indica strains are the two main naturally they will express the characteristics of RUDERALIS is a short, hearty, wild strain with fewer leaves and low THC content. It is not used for consuming occurring species, and hybrid strains the dominant variety with less character- but is sometimes crossbred with indicas or sativas to produce an “autoowering” hybrid—meaning it will are a mix of the two. As new hybrid istics of the secondary variety. An indica- produce owers (buds) based on age rather than light cycles like sativas or indicas. strains are developed they are crossbred dominant hybrid might give you a strong with other existing strains, giving growers body buzz without feeling tired, or a endless opportunities to experiment and sativa-dominant hybrid may make you GROWING produce the next great strain. No matter very sociable and cheerful but still calm if a strain is a natural variety or a hybrid, and relaxed. Other times, a hybrid can FLOWERING TIME: 10-16 WEEKS FLOWERING TIME: 6-8 WEEKS each will have very specific qualities be a “true” hybrid, meaning that it is and unique psychoactive effects (What’s an even mix of both varieties. AIRY, TALL BUDS DENSE, PLUMP BUDS Your Phenotype, see page 18). As more and more strains become HYBRID available, it can seem overwhelming to SATIVA STRAINS INDICA figure out which ones are best to procure 8-15 FEET TALL and enjoy. You obviously can’t rely on all the crazy and unusual names given to 2-6 FEET TALL these strains, so what do you do? For THC CBD THC CBD starters, it’s best to begin by narrowing LEVEL LEVELS LEVEL LEVEL down your choice to the variety type. Sativas are known for being a “daytime” EFFECTS strain because they provide you with an uplifting and energetic head high. Indicas COUCH- SLEEPY on the other hand are a better “nighttime” CREATIVE ENERGETIC LOCK ALERT strain and will get your body stoned, mak- RELAXED ing you feel relaxed, mellow, or even sleepy. CAREFREE EUPHORIA SOCIABLE CHEERFUL MELLOW CALM DAYTIME: NIGHTIME: MIND/HIGH BODY/STONED Primer p/18 Primer p/19 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION

INDOOR VS. What’s Your Phenotype? OUTDOOR

Buds 1, 2, and 3 were The term phenotype or “pheno” will inevitably come up when 1 2 3 grown indoors while buds talking about cannabis strains. It’s one of those heady words that 4, 5, and 6 were grown is actually pretty basic in concept but very complex in nature. outdoors. Plants grown indoors By definition, a phenotype is simply any living thing’s observable use artificial light under characteristics. In the cannabis plant these traits include size, a completely closed environment—soil, water, shape, color, THC content, bud density, flavor, and smell to name fertilizers, even tempera- a few. All these various traits can come together in a multitude of ture and carbon dioxide levels are monitored combinations adding to the complexity and variety of strains. and controlled. This method often produces strains coated in precise Seeing and smoking an assortment for. This is why educated smokers talk crystals with very high potency and consistent of strains will help you to start noticing about phenotypes and why it’s so impor- phenotypes throughout these distinctions in phenotypes and more tant to know which phenos to look for the crop. importantly help you to figure out what when trying new strain varieties. Outdoor strains on the traits you like or don’t like. If you prefer For example, every bud shown here is other hand use natural an energetic high, a pure sativa strain like the same strain called Girl Scout Cookies sunlight and interact with 4 5 6 Durban Poison (see p/166) will carry that (see p/182). Each bud came from the same the terroir, the unique trait. Or if you prefer the mellowing smoke genetic code but is grown from different land and climate of a specific location. This of an indica strain, than maybe a strain producers or crops. As you can clearly produces larger plants like Platinum OG (see p/298) is worth see, not all buds from the same genotype that are generally more trying. There are even strains bred with will look or behave the same. This is why robust to combat Mother amazing flavors like Bubble Gum (see when you buy Girl Scout Cookies from Nature’s variables like p/114) or Blueberry (see p/104). one source, that bud’s characteristics may wind and weather. The flavors and resin glands It’s the strain’s unique combination vary slightly from the same strain bought are also often more of phenotypes that makes each strain so elsewhere. Maybe the color is slightly off, complex and viscous. distinct and special. Each strain is care- or perhaps the smell is more pungent, or Simply put, indoor fully bred to express very specific trait maybe the effects don’t last as long. growing is more scientific combinations with all this information Why? Most often, it’s the environment while outdoor growing stored right into its own DNA. This unique that directly affects a strain’s phenotypes. is more artisanal. Either genetic makeup—referred to as the strain’s Things like where the plant was grown, way, if the cannabis plant is grown properly and “genotype”—is what allows the same strain soil conditions, fertilizers, even the light to its full potential, the to be grown again and again. The genetics or water source can directly effect the resulting buds will be will always be the same but sometimes the strain’s inherent ability to properly spectacular. phenotypes can vary—this is what you express its desired traits—some may be call “variations in phenotype.” suppressed while others may be exagger- Variation in phenos in the same strain ated. Ultimately, it’s how these pheno- is okay, but if they’re completely different types are revealed that will determine than either the plant was improperly whether or not you have an award winning grown or you’re not getting what you paid bud or a poorly grown dud. Primer p/22 Primer p/23 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED CANNABIS FOR DISTRIBUTION FLAVOR PALETTE

Terpenoids The terpenes in strains into five cannabis provide a simple categories: Sweet multitude of diverse (1) sour, (2) spicy, Aromas, Flavors, and aroma and flavor (3) sweet, (4) bitter, profiles. Since taste and (5) savory. actually uses the Each strain has its Therapeutic Effects same olfactory own unique combi- senses as smell, we nation of flavors and can break down all this graph breaks the main flavors down the most In addition to cannabinoids, the components of the cannabis found in cannabis common types. plant’s essential oils, called terpenoids, play an important thera- peutic role in the overall . The aromas and flavors of any given also depend on which terpenoids predominate. While nearly 20,000 terpenoid compounds have been found in all types of plant life, just over 200 of these terpenes Spicy Bitter have been identified in cannabis with the following eight occur- CANDY ring in significant amounts and most frequently. FLORAL

FRUITY

Alpha-pinene Linalool BERRY

Also found in Pine needles Also found in lavender ACRID TROPICAL Flavors: piney, rosemary Flavors: candy spice, floral, herbal EARTHY PUNGENT Therapeutic effects: anti-inflammatory, Therapeutic effects: antianxiety, Hops (used to make antibacterial, aids memory, bronchodilator anticonvulsant, sedative beer) and cannabis are WOODY MINTY SKUNKY (aids breathing) both members of the MUSKY ASTRIGENT same Cannabaceae plant Myrcene HERBS METALLIC family. Unfortunately Beta-caryophyllene Also found in hops hops don’t contain any PEPPERY Also found in echinacea Flavors: acrid, citrus, clove, fruity THC but do have similar PINEY Flavors: citrus, oily, spicy Therapeutic effects: anti-inflammatory, terpenoids that give Therapeutic effects: anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic (pain relief ) pungent beers like IPAs

gastric cytoprotectant (cell protectant)

an aroma very similar to BUTTERY

CHEESEY CHEESEY CREAMY CREAMY

Nerolidol OILY

marijuana. DAIRY

Caryophyllene Oxide Also found in oranges

TART TART

CITRUS LEMON LEMON

Also found in lemon balm Flavors: berry, floral, sweet, woody OIL FUEL TURPENTINE Flavors: clove, peppery, spicy, woody Therapeutic effects: sedative, antifungal, Therapeutic effect: Antifungal skin protectant

Limonene Phytol Sour Savory Also found in lemons Also found in green tea Flavors: citrus, juniper, lemon, peppermint, Flavors: creamy, earthy, floral, vanilla rosemary, tangerine Therapeutic effects: anti-insomnia Therapeutic effects: immune stimulant, antidepressant, antianxiety Primer p/26 Primer p/27 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION

Pedigree not dull and dirty. The bud should also cured properly and won’t be tasty or look nicely manicured, meaning all the potent. The other is if it smells “dirty.” Buyer’s Guide Was the cannabis grown bigger leaves and extra stems trimmed from a reliable source? off nicely; not left on or hacked away. DIRTY WEED More often than not, you’re Sometimes improperly going to have to take a leap When it’s time to finally part with your hard-earned cash and buy some buds, it’s TRICHOMES of faith and take the seller’s word. grown or stored weed Can you see tiny crystals important to know what to look for in order to make sure you’re getting your money’s Once you build a strong bond with your can grow mold and/or all over the bud? Your worth. If you’re able to buy from a legitimate marijuana dispensary then you can trust source, hopefully they’ll share more mildew. If the bud smells grow information with you. On the buds should have plenty moldy, very muddy, or like the weed is going to be stellar. The dispensary’s “bud-tender” will be able to detail other hand, if you’re buying from a of clear or amber- tinted ammonia, then chances resin crystals if you expect each strain’s specific phenotypes or they will be able to recommend a strain based on dispensary you can always ask them are it has mold. If you see white stringy stuff about the genetics, how the cannabis to get the most effects from or an unnatural white coating on the exterior, your own preferences. But if you’re like the majority of recreational smokers, you have was grown, and other valuable informa- it. Ideally, it will be glistening with crystals that’s definitely a sign of mold or mildew. tion so you can keep tabs and refer but sometimes storing and moving can cause Both of these are bad signs and you shouldn’t to build a trusted network to score some dank nugs. Even still, there’s always a chance back to the growers or breeders you some to fall off, which isn’t a big deal. But buy it, never mind smoke it. trust when trying a new strain. your regular hookup could have some bad weed from time to time or your budget if they are seen in odd patches, or there are only a few crystals, or none at all then the simply can’t afford the best. So here are some important things to examine and rate NEW HOOKUPS Personal Experience herb was not properly taken care of and you When buying from a new source, whether How did it make you feel? to determine if the buds make the grade. shouldn’t pay top dollar for it. it be a new dispensary or new friend-of- Above all else, this is the a-friend’s source, make sure that at first most important factor to Feel you buy only a small amount to test their consider when buying bud. product before purchasing larger amounts How does the bud feel when This is a very personal preference that LOWS, MIDS, Low Mid High only you can experience, so it’s worth the next time around. Any reputable source you touch it? Properly dried Grade Grade Grade taking notes and keeping a journal on AND HIGHS will respect this gesture and it could save and cured buds should be neither dry nor wet; neither which strains you’ve tried, where you you from wasting your time and money on rock-solid nor brittle. The bud should bought them, and what you enjoyed Marijuana can be a bad connection. (or didn’t enjoy) about them so you can Bag Poor OK Great feel dense and squishy. When you break broken down into it up, it should be easy to grind and feel start appreciating and recognizing all Appeal Lots of extra stems, Some stems and leafs, No extra stems, leafs, three quality grades: Weight sticky. It shouldn’t crumble into a fine the wonderful and distinct experiences and seeds maybe a few seeds or seeds various strains have to offer. low, mid or “regs,” Was the herb prepackaged powder (too dry) or clump into hard and high. Here’s a or was it weighed in front of balls (too wet). Any stems should bend quick comparison THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS Texture Dry and compact Average Full and well-cured you? Avoid prepackaged then break when bent, not just bend of the three: New users and experienced smokers alike Coarse, Seedy lots of Some buds, some shake Fluffy dense buds, buds and opt for a freshly without breaking or quickly snap off. might sometimes experience a few negative shake (crumbs) no shake weighed amount. If you have no choice but to pick a prepackaged baggy, make Smell effects after toking a new strain. Don’t sure you examine the contents before panic, these minor side effects are tempo- Does it smell appealing? handing over your money. Color Dull, muddy Clean, green Rich, vivid The aromas should be rary and should wear off quickly, so just pleasant and appetizing to relax and let the time pass. If they mess with Appearance you. Chances are if you like your high, stop using that strain and try a Flavor Harsh Mild Smooth Do the buds look appealing? the way it smells, you’ll love the way it new variety next time. tastes. Just keep in mind that smell has At first glance, you should be DRY MOUTH excited when looking at the nothing to do with potency, just flavor. HEADACHE THC >1–5% 6–14% 15–25%+ bud. It shouldn’t be crushed, Some of the best and strongest buds PARANOIA Content compressed, or crumbly looking. It can smell very harsh and even skunk- should have a nice distinct fluffy nugget like or can just have a slight, subtle DIZZINESS DRY EYES Price $ $$ $$$ shape and the colors—greens, reds, fragrance. One exception is if the buds and/or purple hues—can be light or smell very “green”—sort of like fresh CONFUSION dark and should look clean and vibrant, lawn clippings—then it probably wasn’t Green Primer p /4 8 Green Primer p /49 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION Buds p/50 Buds p/51 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION Cannabis Strains sativa 100% 0% Marijuana has come a long way since the days of our ances- tors. Today, creative minds across the world are cultivating and crossbreeding cannabis plants to create modern-day marvels in the form of majestically beautiful and one-of-a-kind strains— from heirloom landraces to creatively named super hybrids. The following pages will guide you through some of the best sativa hybrid >60% varieties of marijuana strains we could find, organized alpha- betically by strain name. While the breathtaking focus-stacked images will give you a high-definition visual of their appear- ance, the profile information will provide you with the unique details specific to each individual strain. Each profile includes the following: hybrid 50% 50% hybrid STRAIN NAME COMMON EFFECTS The name given to the strain by the The common physical and original breeder or grower. psychoactive effects.

TYPE TOP MEDICINAL USES The strain’s variety— Conditions the strain has been sativa• (100%) known to help. sativa hybrid• (> 60% sativa) hybrid• (≈ 50% sativa + 50% indica) AWARDS > 60% indica hybrid indica hybrid• (> 60% indica) Any major awards received (1st, 2nd, indica• (100%) or 3rd place).

LINEAGE SIMILAR STRAINS The genetic female and male Other strains that share similar parents. phenotypes.

SMELL/TASTE DESCRIPTION The common aromas and flavors. A brief outline of other pertinent 0% 100% indica information about the strain. Buds p/52 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION STRAIN NAME 5Gs × OGSD•

TYPE hybrid• This unique breed hails from the infamous Humboldt County region of California—well LINEAGE (Dieselberry × Witches Weed) × regarded as the birthplace of modern-day (OG × ) hybrid . This strain con- sists of elite genetics combined with great SMELL/TASTE lemon, acrid, fuel breeding skills to produce a nice one-off hybrid that’s as potent as it is stinky. The COMMON EFFECTS dense buds have a very lemony aroma and uplifted, creative, euphoria flavor, mixed with a fuel funk and a dash of TOP MEDICINAL USES sour orange zest. Overall, 5Gs × OGSD is a mood enhancement, stress prime example of a Humboldt original.

SIMILAR STRAINS Chemdawg• p/ 132 Allen Wrench• p/ 66 NYC Diesel• p/ 274 Buds p/54 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION STRAIN NAME Abusive OG•

TYPE hybrid• This variety of the renowned OG Kush is rumored to have origins that trace back to the LINEAGE OG Kush phenotype famous rap artist and marijuana advocate Snoop Dogg. Regardless of the rumors, SMELL/TASTE Abusive OG is no doubt a prime example of lemon, pine, fuel an OG—very dense nugs heavily coated in COMMON EFFECTS crystals with a unique sour pine flavor com- cheerful, uplifted, relaxed monly referred to as “kushy.” These buds’

TOP MEDICINAL USES ability to deliver a long–lasting, body-buzzing mood enhancement, anxiety high is what makes Abusive OG a cut above the rest. SIMILAR STRAINS SFV OG• p/ 324 Tahoe OG• p/ 368 XXX OG• p/ 390 The Legend of OG When “OG” is used in a strain name, it typically refers to its lineage back to the original OG Kush strain. The initials OG are thought by most to mean “Ocean Grown” for OG Kush’s roots in Southern California, while some attribute OG to mean “Original Gangster” to represent the first generation of a strain. Semantics aside, OG strains are widely popular and highly coveted for their distinct flavors, appearance, and enduring effects. Buds p/56 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION STRAIN NAME Afghani•

TYPE indica• Afghani is known throughout the world as one of the finest pure indica cannabis strains. LINEAGE Landrace (Afghanistan) Its dark sticky flowers are a fast and easy grow and its monsterous resin production and SMELL/TASTE trademark indica effects make it an indis- spicy, citrus, earthy pensable component in the breeding of many COMMON EFFECTS other famous hybrid strains. The mellow, body buzz, sleepy, couch-lock exotic flavors smoke smooth and hit strong. A

TOP MEDICINAL USES favorite nighttime strain, Afghani’s ability to insomnia, pain produce long-lasting and body-numbing physical effects is second to none. SIMILAR STRAINS G-13• p/ 176 Sour Bubble• p/ 336 Purple Sticky Punch• p/ 312 Buds p/58 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION STRAIN NAME Afgoo•

TYPE indica hybrid• This supersticky bud blends two legendary landrace strains to create a very effective and LINEAGE Afghani × Maui Haze powerful indica-dominant stunner. The smoke is earthy flavored with subtle hints of SMELL/TASTE sweet strawberry, and the heavy full-body piney, spicy, strawberry high can be felt almost as soon as you COMMON EFFECTS exhale—and then it seems to last forever. mellow, sleepy, euphoria Newcomers to Afgoo may experience a

TOP MEDICINAL USES couch-lock effect with this perfect nighttime insomnia, pain treat. A hint of euphoria will also creep in (thanks to its Maui Haze genetics), making SIMILAR STRAINS Afgoo a great smoke to end a long, hard day. Strawberry Cough• p/ 352 Maui Waui• p/ 258 Afwreck• p/ 60 Buds p/60 COPYRIGHTED: NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION STRAIN NAME Afwreck•

TYPE sativa hybrid• Although crossed with Afghani, Afwreck’s phenotypes have been influenced mostly LINEAGE Afghani × Trainwreck from its powerful Trainwreck parent. This strong sativa has a pleasant mix of sweet and SMELL/TASTE sour flavors that are balanced with a fresh sweet, floral, citrus floral aroma. The effects immediately focus COMMON EFFECTS exclusively on the mind while the Afghani uplifting, euphoria, cheerful makes a late guest appearance to add a subtle

TOP MEDICINAL USES body high that finishes off the buzz nicely. stress, mood enhancement

SIMILAR STRAINS Afgoo• p/ 58 J1• p/ 220 Cherry AK• p/ 136