Cannabis Strains: OG Kush, White Widow, Gorilla Glue and more
Strain names like OG Kush or White Widow are legends in cannabis culture — but what’s actually behind the names? Terpene profile, THC content, and effect character differ significantly. An overview of the most well-known strains and what characterizes them.
Overview
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How strain profiles are formed and what they mean
Before diving into specific strains, some important clarifications:
- Strain names are not quality certificates: The name “OG Kush” guarantees nothing — terpene profile and cannabinoid content vary significantly depending on the grower and batch. Only certified lab tests provide reliable values
- Indica/Sativa as categories are outdated: The actual effect is determined by the terpene profile and the individual THC:CBD ratio, not by the botanical classification
- Generation drift: Due to decades of crossbreeding, many classic strains have changed their original characteristics. An OG Kush from 2024 is often genetically different from the original
- Social Club and Pharmacy: Since KCanG, Social Clubs can offer strains. Pharmacies carry standardized medical strains with lab values
OG Kush: The Classic from California
- Origin: Originally from Southern California, 1990s. Genetic origin unclear — “OG” stands depending on the source for “Original Gangster” or “Ocean Grown”
- THC Content: 20–25%, occasionally up to 28%. CBD typically under 1%
- Main Terpenes: Myrcene (earthy, heavy note), Limonene (citrus), Caryophyllene (pepper/spice)
- Aroma/Taste: Earthy, hashy, with citrus undertones and a slight diesel note
- Effect Profile: Strong, cerebral high followed by physical relaxation. Myrcene-dominant = tendency towards sedation at higher doses. Known for euphoria, creativity bursts and subsequent body heaviness
- Derivatives: Base for hundreds of hybrids: Girl Scout Cookies, Sherbet, Gelato, Fire OG
White Widow: Europe’s Classic
- Origin: Developed in the Netherlands (Green House Seeds, 1990s). Cross between Brazilian Sativa landrace and South Indian Indica landrace. Cannabis Cup winner 1995
- THC content: 18–25%
- Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pine (pine/fresh), Caryophyllene
- Aroma/taste: Woody, earthy, with a slight pine and floral note. Recognizable by the white trichome coating on the flowers (hence “White”)
- Effect profile: Energetic-creative high, followed by physical relaxation. Pine promotes attention and focus. Used for creative work or social evenings
- Cultivation: Robust, resistant plant — one of the most popular beginner strains for home growing
Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4): The “Glue”
- Origin: USA, developed by GG Strains (originally “Gorilla Glue” — renamed due to trademark dispute). Random cross between Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel
- THC content: 25–30% — one of the most potent common strains. Not for beginners
- Main terpenes: Caryophyllene (dominant, spicy/spicy), Myrcene, Limonene
- Aroma/Taste: Strong — Diesel, Pine, Earth, Chocolate. Intense smell when growing
- Effect character: Strong, heavy high — the name (“Gorilla Glue”) comes from the feeling of being glued to the couch. Full-body relaxation, couch lock at higher doses. Less suitable for activities
- Trichomes: Known for extremely high resin content — trimming tools actually stick when trimming
Related
Blue Dream: West Coast Favorite
- Origin: Northern California, around 2000s. Cross between Blueberry (Indica) and Haze (Sativa-dominant)
- THC content: 17–24%, slightly increased CBD content (~1–2%) compared to pure THC strains
- Main terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene (floral/fresh)
- Aroma/Taste: Sweet, berry-like (blueberry), slightly earthy and fresh. Pleasant, accessible profile
- Effect profile: Described as “balanced” — cerebral Haze high softened by Indica body relaxation. Less overwhelming than GG4 or OG Kush. Hence popular for daytime use and as an entry-level alternative among higher potency strains
Northern Lights: The Indoor Classic
- Origin: Seattle/Netherlands, 1980s. Indica-dominant landrace hybrids (likely Afghan origin). Multiple Cannabis Cup wins
- THC content: 16–21%
- Main terpenes: Myrcene (dominant), Caryophyllene, Pinene
- Aroma/taste: Earthy, sweet, slightly spicy. Not overwhelmingly intense
- Effect profile: Strongly body-focused, relaxing, sleep-inducing. Couch lock at higher doses. Frequently used for sleep issues and pain relief. Myrcene-dominant = classic sedation profile
- Cultivation: Compact, short plant — ideal for indoor cultivation with limited height. Short flowering time (7–8 weeks), robust, mold-resistant
Medical Strains: Standardized Quality
Cannabis strains available in pharmacies differ fundamentally from street names:
- Medical cannabis has certified THC and CBD levels with laboratory verification
- Frequently prescribed: Bedrocan (THC 22%, Sativa-dominant), Bediol (THC 6.3%, CBD 8%), Bedrolite (almost THC-free, CBD 9%)
- Strain name is less relevant in the medical field than the exact cannabinoid content for dosing
What terpenes say about the effect of a strain:
Why strains feel different — the terpene factor:
Frequently asked questions about cannabis strains
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