Weed can be split in 3 categories. Indica, sativa & hybrid. In the Netherlands you will find almost anything.

Differences between the varieties

If you want to understand the difference of the different varieties there are some things that you should know first.

Sativas are tall plants (reaching as high as 4.5 meters), with long internodes and branches, and large, narrow-bladed leaves. From the other hand, Indica varieties are shorter and bushier, have wider leaflets and they are often favored by indoor growers.

Sativas bloom later than indicas, take a month or two more in order to mature. The subjective effects of sativas and indicas are said to differ, but the ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) in most named drug varieties of both types is similar.

In addition to pure indica and sativa are the hybrid varieties with varying ratios of these three types are common. These hybrid varieties exhibit traits from both parental types or there are commercial crossbred hybrids which mix of both indica and/or sativa genes, and are usually autoflowering varieties.

Sativas are known for motivating and getting you moving around. The leaves are thin and spread apart and they have a higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD (the chemical that's believed to aid pain relief and anxiety). Creativity flourishes when smoking a sativa and treating depression is a major reason for its use among medical patients. Sativa strains are likely to get you talking, thinking, and philosophising.

To remember that sativas are typically elevating in their effects keep this phrase in mind, “Sunny Sativa."

From the other hand, Indicas have a higher CBD content and are noted for their calming effects. The leaves are also wider and much closer together than a sativa plant. Indicas are also very helpful with pain relief, insomnia, and eliminating anxiety. It is known for relaxing the body high and this is why it can be great for muscle tension in athletes or as a way to unwind after a long workday.

Hybrids are the cherry on top of the cannabis list. They can be the perfect combination of energising and relaxing, depending on the ratio of sativa to indica. Hybrids are created with the intention of maintaining the best qualities from both the sativa and indica parent plant, which often results in super-potent (and super popular) strains.

What is THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is the naturally occurring chemical in marijuana which gives you the feeling of being high. It talks to your brain and signals it to release dopamine (the hormone that works with the pleasure and reward hubs.)

Varieties that you will find in the Netherlands

AK-47

AK-47 will leave you relaxed and mellow. This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a steady and long-lasting cerebral buzz that keeps you mentally alert and engaged in creative or social activities. AK-47 mixes Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani varieties, bringing together a complex blend of flavours and effects.

B52

B-52 has a nice sweet taste and gives you a long ’stoned’ in which it almost knocks you out. It is a truly superior Skunk hybrid.

Blueberry

Blueberry’s legendary status soared to new heights after claiming the High Times’ Cannabis Cup 2000 for Best Indica. The sweet flavours of fresh blueberries combine with relaxing effects to produce a long-lasting sense of euphoria. Many medical patients appreciate Blueberry for its ability to suppress pain and relieve stress, while connoisseurs and growers admire the strain for its colourful hues and high THC content.

Cheese

Named for its sharply sour aroma, Cheese is an indica-dominant hybrid from the U.K. that has achieved widespread popularity for its unique flavour and consistent potency. The resulting hybrid is now well-known for its relaxed, happy effects that gently ease you into a blissful state of mind.

Chemdawg

The original source of powerhouse strains like Sour Diesel and OG Kush, Chemdawg is known for its distinct, diesel-like aroma. Pungent and sharp, you’ll be able to smell this hybrid from a mile away.

Chocolope

DNA Genetics developed Chocolope by crossing Chocolate Thai with Cannalope Haze to create their homage to the Chocolate strains of the 1980s. The hefty sativa buds give earthy, sweet coffee flavours that provide a dreamy, cerebral effect. Consumers report a strong, euphoric mental shift that is great when coping with depression or stress.

G13

G13 is a very strong variety (indica) that is the subject of many urban legends. According to some accounts, the CIA, FBI, and other agencies gathered the best strains of marijuana from breeders all over the world. At a super-secret installation at the University of Mississippi, they bred many new super hybrids in the late 1960s. Although the legends are probably not true, G13 delivers effects like no other. If you have the opportunity, definitely partake in this strain.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant cannabis variety that took the name from the marijuana activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. It is a spicy, pine-scented sativa has taken home numerous awards for its quality and potency.

Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze (Sativa) is a familiar kind of haze in the Netherlands. It is sold in many shops in different prices and it is very popular among the ’haze’ lovers. Has a sharp and sour taste and the effect of this haze strikes quickly and is especially pretty strong mentally and even experienced smokers recognise this.

Purple Haze

Purple Haze (Sativa) delivers a dreamy burst of euphoria. This nostalgic sativa staple remains cherished for its high-energy cerebral stimulation that awakens creativity and blissful contentment.

Lemon Haze

Lemon Haze (Hybrid / Sativa) has been characterised as smelling of fresh peeled lemon slices with a similar taste. Its buds appear to be green and yellow with amber hairs on the trichomes, giving it the yellow tint.

Super Lemon Haze

Sativa-dominant (80% Sativa) with Lemon Skunk x Super Silver Haze Notes. Slow onset that starts with a light excitement, euphoria and a defined head high. Very focused and cerebral, giggly, and uplifted. Great for daytime and going out.

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is not a ’white’ haze weed species but like the name says Super Silver Haze is one of the strongest weed species. The genetics of this plant consists of Skunk, Northern Light and Haze.

Mango

Mango (Indica / Hybrid) is crossed with KC 33 to give us the current Mango flavour. Its buds have been known to grow very large, about the size of a softball, and can be up to a foot and a half in length. The foliage turns to a deep red/purple color with a smell and taste of sweet mango.

Master Kush

Master Kush is a popular indica cross created out of two landrace strains from different parts of the Hindu Kush region. The taste of Master Kush is reminiscent of the famous hard-rubbed charas hash. It offers a sharpened sensory awareness that can bring out the best of any activity.

NYC Diesel

NYC Diesel is a 60% sativa-dominant cross between a Sour Diesel and an Afghani/Hawaiian clone. This sativa-leaning strain provides strong cerebral effects that ease into a deep, full-body relaxation over time. NYC Diesel is happy, talkative qualities make this hybrid a good choice for social activities and many anxiety-prone consumers praise it for its paranoia-free effects.

Northern Light

Northern Lights stands among the most famous varieties of all time. It is a pure indica cherished for its resinous buds, fast flowering, and resilience during growth. Pungently sweet, spicy aromas radiate from the crystal-coated buds, which sometimes reveal themselves in hues of purple. The effects are relaxing muscles and pacifying the mind in dreamy euphoria.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express (Sativa / Hybrid) was bred by G13 labs and is the child of Trainwreck and Hawaiian. The smell has been likened to fresh apple and mango, with a taste of pineapple, pine and cedar.

Power Plant

Powerplant (mostly Sativa) came from South Africa. This variety has been inbred only and very rich in THC.

Super Skunk

This predominantly indica variety, produces a bold relaxing effect over the body and is a great answer for increased stress and body pains.

Strawberry

Strawberry is a mostly sativa cannabis variety with a pungent fruity smell and uplifting effects. Consumers prone to anxiety choose Strawberry for its stress-relieving qualities without the jarring paranoia. Comfortable and relaxing, Strawberry brings physical and mental relief to patients treating symptoms mild or severe.

White Widow

White Widow is a white weed species and one of the strongest types with lots of THC. It’s a cross between the Indian indica and Brazilian Sativa. Halfway the nineties a legend was born, White Widow almost instantly appeared on every list of every coffeeshop menu in the Netherlands.

White Russian

White Russian is a stable cross of AK-47 and White Widow. With such a strong indica background, the plants smell quite strong during both their growth and flowering period. THC levels have been measured as high as 22% in seed comparison tests, making White Russian possibly the strongest plant known. Very strong and long lasting medicinal high, more energetic than sleepy.

Sources: www.leafly.com, uk.complex.com, www.trueamsterdam.com.

Photos by: Marc Fuyà, Martijn, 420magazine.com, Nickel Bag of Funk, www.mrnice.nl, www.marijuana.com, picslist.com