White Widow: A Most Excellent Plant

During the early 1990s a new strain of cannabis made its debut in the Netherlands and has since become one of the most popular varieties available. Legendary Australian seed breeder Scott Blakey (aka. Shantibaba or “Mr. Nice”) developed a plant that was a cross of Indian and Brazilian strains, being a mix of 60% Indica and 40% Sativa, which contained 20% to 25% of the active ingredient THC. Its unique appearance earned it the name White Widow.



Resistant to mold and colder temperatures, this strain has been found by experienced botants to be relatively easy to grow and maintain in areas where other varieties would require more climate control and care. It is an ideal indoor plant that reaches a height of only 35 - 60 cm tall when mature.

A potent and powerful hybrid, the White Widow cannabis strain is a favorite among medical marijuana patients and casual users alike. In the Netherlands, it can be found at the top of all Dutch coffee shop menus selling for the price of 8 Euros per gram, while in the United States the same amount can be obtained with a prescription from most medical marijuana dispensaries for a modest 8 Dollar donation.

The high is said to be marked by an intensified level of energy and appetite, typical of the Indica varieties, while the characteristics of the Sativa strain are revealed by a heightened euphoria and enhanced mood, giving the user a feeling of relaxed, yet focused interest in activities. The overall effect is a very clear-minded and energetic experience marked by a level, balanced euphoria. White Widow is considered by most users to deliver an excellent “thinking high” which, due to the potency of this strain, can last several hours.



White Widow buds are distinctive, characteristically covered by an abundance of white crystal trichomes and sport long orange hairs. The crystal coating tends to give the buds a sugary or frosted look making the mature plant appear to be snow-covered. The buds’ natural scent is best described as very strong, having a somewhat skunky aroma with a mix of sweet and sour, while the taste is said to be remarkably fresh with fruity highlights.

In 1995, White Widow won the 8th Cannabis Cup competition sponsored by High Times and today remains one of the top varieties available.