Cannabis has a long and legendary history. Many of its most iconic and rarest strains have deep roots in ancient civilizations and cultures. Others were created by renowned and cutting-edge growers intent on cross-breeding the perfect strain. Want to get your hands on an obscure or unique strain? Here are the rarest weed strains that you can grow at home.
The fun of growing rare cannabis strains
There’s something special about rare weed. It’s a privileged experience that goes beyond the everyday strains we’ve grown to love. Not that there’s anything wrong with the classics, but rare weed is a fun way to mix up your growing space. It makes you feel unique and exclusive. Luckily, while there are actually strains out there that are at risk of going extinct, there are also rare strains that you can get your hands on at Weedseedsexpress.
Whether you just want to brag about your exclusive buds or you’re wanting to expand your knowledge of weed, growing rare strains is fun and easy to do. After all, most of us just get used to growing and smoking our favorites. This is most likely all down to simple exposure. The more prevalent a strain is, the more popular it gets. If you want to turn heads at your next social gathering and impart some unique stoner knowledge, here are the top 9 rare strains to grow at home.
Top 9 Rare Weed Strains To Grow Yourself
- Pennywise
- Berners Cookies
- Chiquita Banana
- Godfather OG
- Island Sweet Skunk
- Pinkman Goo
- Sirius Black
- Cinderella 99
- Alpine Star CBD
1. Pennywise
Don't let its nightmarish name fool you. Pennywise is the opposite of Stephen King's scary creation. This high-CBD strain is among the most relaxing and therapeutic out there. An equal balance of THC and CBD makes it a truly exceptional medical strain that doesn’t get grown nearly enough.
Growing
Pennywise is an easy-grow strain that's well suited for beginners searching for a deeply relaxing experience. You can grow this strain indoors, outdoors or in greenhouse setups. However, warm Mediterranean climates with low humidity are favored. With a medium flowering time of between 9 and 10 weeks, she isn't one for the impatient. She will, however, adapt to compact indoor grow spaces where she grows stout and bushy.
Smell, taste and effect
Pennywise boasts a lovely flavor profile that's earthy and rich. Think of a dark morning coffee with undertones of lemon and spice. While Pennywise produces sweet citrus aromas when flowering, it takes on a dank earthiness during the drying and curing stage. The effects are renowned for their soothing qualities. Expect a slice of uplifting euphoria and deep relaxation, like sinking into a comfy armchair after a hard day. As such, Pennywise is effective in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorders, chronic pain, cancer and epilepsy.
2. Berners Cookies
Berner's Cookies is a ridiculously potent variation of the much-loved Girl Scout Cookies. While rare, Berner's Cookies has a significant following among aficionados who love the strain's uplifting and talkative high. It’s a true San Francisco original that you should introduce to your cannabis garden.
Growing
Berner's Cookies is recommended for those with some experience, particularly if you already grow Girl Scout Cookies. Its Sativa dominance means that it can grow tall and slender, responding very well to training techniques like ScrOG. Warm, tropical-like weather conditions with temperatures of around 25 °C are ideal, so bring things indoors if your climate is more mild or wet.
Smell, taste and effect
Berner’s Cookies’ aroma is as legendary as its origins. Expect a luscious combination of vanilla and juicy tropical fruits. The flavors are just as enticing and fruity with layers of funky goodness. The effects can be described as “creeping”. The high is well-balanced with cerebral and social effects that are perfect for parties and gatherings. It's recommended for those treating chronic pain and appetite loss.
3. Chiquita Banana
Chiquita Banana is a rare super-potent hybrid strain with mythological THC levels that can push 30%. With this prestige, it’s highly sought by THC-lovers for its serious psychoactive kick. It also grows luscious and yellow thanks to its Banana heritage.
Growing
Despite being such a serious weed, Chiquita Banana is easy to grow and recommended for novices and experienced hands alike. Chiquita Banana grows best in warm, Mediterranean climates, but can also manage fine in temperate summers. For better control of light and temperature, bring things indoors. Just be sure to give this plant plenty of space, as she can grow out quite a bit during the flowering stage. If you’re short on space, apply training methods like ScrOG.
Smell, taste and effect
Chiquita Banana boasts rich aromas of sweet tropical fruits, citrus and floral notes. The flavor is sweet to the taste, with over-ripe banana notes and a background earthiness. Potent yet balanced, it produces a relaxing and uplifting high that grows across the body over time. It's also highly versatile for medicinal use, with great success in treating chronic pain and insomnia.
4. Godfather OG
Godfather OG is another iconic strain that's legendary among weed growers. When you finally get your hands on it, Godfather OH doesn’t disappoint. Known as the “Don of OG’s”, it’s a highly potent Indica-dominant strain renowned for its balanced and long-lasting high.
Growing
Godfather OG is relatively straightforward to grow and is suited to all ability levels. It's suited both to indoor and outdoor growing environments, although warm, sunny climates are preferred (although not essential). So long as you keep these conditions constant and look after your plant with regular watering and high-quality nutrients, you won't run into any issues. In fact, Godfather OG requires very little branch maintenance, making it an ideal strain for beginners to test out.
Smell, taste and effect
Godfather OG has a punchy flavor profile that's earthy to smell and fruity to taste. Cure your strain well to release lovely pine, herb and moss flavors. In terms of effects, this is a heavy hitter that's long-lasting, delivering a big dose of relaxation for the body and mind. As such, this is a great sedative strain that's perfect for end-of-day stress relief or in the treatment of insomnia.
5. Island Sweet Skunk
This exceptional Sativa strain comes with a big reputation for its cerebral and energetic effects. Created by crossing the iconic Skunk #1 with Sweet Pink Grapefruit, it's highly sought by Skunk heads. Its looks are equally appealing, with splashes of yellow and deep orange pistils.
Growing
Island Sweet Skunk is one of the easier Skunk strains to cultivate and is recommended for beginners. It does perfectly well indoors and outdoors, although dry, warm conditions are required to meet its potential. If you're living in a more humid or mild environment, bring things indoors and provide them with plenty of space. This strain produces very heavy buds that may require some support during the flowering stage.
Smell, taste and effect
Island Sweet Skunk's flavor profile is a perfect marriage of juicy tropical fruits and skunky earth. Its sour fruity flavors linger as you smoke. The effects are quick and long-lasting, providing a big cerebral blast that's perfect for social settings. It's the perfect party strain that's well suited for those treating inflammation and muscle spasms, too.
6. Pinkman Goo
This fascinating and rare Indica-dominant hybrid strain has illustrious origins in Grape Ape and Northern Lights. Beloved for its sticky resin (which drops like goo) and crystal-covered leaves, it's a great choice for fans of Breaking Bad (its namesake).
Growing
Pinkman Goo is one for experienced growers. You can cultivate this strain indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses, but climate control is required. If your weather is unpredictable, or you're not blessed by reliably long summers, take it indoors. This short and easy-to-maintain strain suits hydroponic and high-quality soil settings. While somewhat resistant to mold and pests, a good eye and knowledge go a long way in keeping this plant in top form.
Smell, taste and effect
This gorgeous strain delivers earthy and floral aromas and a mild, sweet taste. You'll discover layers of sweet berries and roasted coffee beans. The high is a wonderfully sedative and relaxing one. Ideal for end-of-day stress relief, it's recommended for those treating anxiety and insomnia.
7. Sirius Black
This magical strain is a mystery to look at thanks to its bold indigo and purple flowers. Indica-dominant and loaded with THC, it's a rare yet alluring strain that is just the trick for parties. If you grew up on Harry Potter, this one is a must-try.
Growing
Sirius Black does best in capable hands. You can grow this strain easily indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses. While warm, Mediterranean-like conditions are preferred, it’s actually fairly resilient to temperature fluctuations and milder temperate summers. Where it does need experience is in pruning. Sirius Black can grow bushy and unruly, so regular maintenance of branches to allow light to penetrate the stems and buds is essential.
Smell, taste and effect
Sirius Black's flavor profile mirrors its gorgeous colors. Expect a rich berry and grape-like flavor with hints of musk, earthy and citrus. In terms of effects, Sirius Black is unusually creative despite its Indica credentials. Expect a full-body buzz that will leave you both relaxed and uplifted. As such, it’s great for those treating physical and mental stresses.
8. Cinderella 99
Cinderella 99 is a highly acclaimed twist on the legendary Jack Herer from noted breeders Brothers Grimm. This unique Sativa strain is a must for fans of the varietal, boasting a beautiful aroma and spectacular high.
Growing
Cinderella 99 is a legend among hobby growers thanks to its versatility and high yield potential. Still, beginners will also have no issues here, as the strain is easily managed through basic pruning techniques. The only likely issue you’ll run into is one of space. She grows the best outdoors, but requires dry and warm conditions to reach her potential. Indoors, she grows smaller but still significant at under 150 cm.
Smell, taste and effect
Cinderella 99's flavor profile is typically skunky with layers of sweet citrus and pine. The aroma is sweet and sour like a well-aged cheese. With high THC levels and big euphoric effects, this strain is beloved by creatives for its energizing and long-lasting high. It will get you talkative in no time. For medicinal use, it shows great promise in treating muscle spasms and mood disorders.
9. Alpine Star CBD
Alpine Star CBD is a rare variation of the beloved Alpine Star strain that keeps THC levels super low. Boasting CBD levels of 20% instead, it's a go-to option for medicinal users looking to avoid weed's stoned or psychoactive effects.
Growing
Alpine Star CBD is easy to grow and can be cultivated indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses. Her stable and equal genetic balance of Indica and Sativa make her a dream to grow in the right conditions. Warm and dry environments are best, so bring things indoors if your climate is mild. Just be wary of overfeeding this strain, as it requires fewer nutrients than other strains - the tell-tale signs include browning leaves.
Smell, taste and effect
Like the original Alpine Star, this CBD variant boasts a pleasantly sweet aroma of juicy tangerine and lemon zest. This is combined with earthy flavors of pine and heather, particularly to the taste. The effects are mild and understated, perfect for those treating stress, anxiety and depression. What's more, it's a great daytime strain thanks to its focusing and therapeutic properties.
Grow these rare weed strains yourself
Want to try your hand growing a premier, top-shelf weed? These rare strains are guaranteed to turn heads and bolster conversations thanks to their legendary status and potent effects.
What’s more, you needn’t search high and low from them. Simply pick up your cannabis seeds from Weedseedsexpress and turn your cannabis garden into an exclusive club.