Legendary Cannabis Strains

Our growers are dreaming up new strains and new formats on the daily, bringing bold flavours and top potencies. But today, we’re taking a moment to honour the strains that got us here: whether they provided the building blocks for our favourite modern strains, or popularized cannabis in mainstream culture, or hold a special place in our hearts for their part in shaping Canada’s cannabis scene. Because what better way to look to the future then by reflecting on where we came from?

From California to Amsterdam, from the 80s to the 2000s, these buds have earned the right to call themselves true legends.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

Our first legend on the list almost needs no introduction. A cross of Durban Poison and OG Kush, GSC is one of the most iconic strains in cannabis history. It is the foundation for countless modern cultivars, and passes down its famously pungent, sweet, and dessert-like profile. GSC has been recognized by the industry with a few awards on its mantle, including several Cannabis Cups!

You probably recognize GSC best from our nationwide bestselling strain GMO Cookies from Spinach, which blends GSC with Chemdawg. If you can’t get enough of it, we’ve got a few more GSC powerhouses for you to try:

• Pick up 1964’s Gelato #41, a sweet and herbal cross between Sunset Sherbert (GSC x Pink Panties) and the Thin Mint phenotype of GSC.
• For a more peppery smoke, try Back Forty’s Wedding Pie, a Wedding Cake (GSC x Cherry Pie) and Grape Pie cross.
• For a craft offering, check out Tribal’s Power Sherb, which combines Sunset Sherb and Cookies & Cream.
• And don’t sleep on MAC-1 from Holy Mountain, a creamy and funky combo of Alien Cookies (GSC x Aliendawg) and Miracle 15.

PINK KUSH

O, Canada. Home of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the terrifying Canada goose, and the classic Pink Kush.

This indica-dominant strain has earned its title as one the top selling strains in Canada. First created by famed breeder Barney’s Farm, this strain’s genetics remain somewhat of a mystery. We do know, though, that it’s a relative of OG Kush, a strain that has received recognition from High Times. Pink Kush carries on OG Kush’s legacy: in 2019, this strain took first place in the Canadian Cannabis Awards for “Top Indica Flower.” Pink Kush’s aroma is often described as sweet like butterscotch, with strong notes of pepper and fruit.

Want to meet this home-town hero? Grab Pink Kush from Pure Sunfarms!

GRANDDADDY PURPLE

Known as the king of “purple” strains, this bud is a legend no matter what name it chooses: Granddaddy Purple, Gridlock, or GDP. For many of us, this heavy, grape-like and spicy bud defines what it means to be an indica, and carries with it a vibe of bead curtains and bean bag chairs.

In 2003, this strain was introduced to the California cannabis scene. Now renowned far and wide, GDP is one of the best-selling strains on the West Coast. Its genetics are debated: many say its a cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, two 80s indicas, while others say it’s a blend of Skunk, Mendo Purps, and Afghani.

To try out this King of Purple yourself, pick up Good Supply’s Grand Daddy Purps. Or, check out some modern strains that find their roots in this grandfather of weed: GDP has passed its genetics down to Cabana Cannabis Co’s Island Time Purple Punch and Soar’s Pineapple God!

SOUR DIESEL

No legendary list is complete without this pillar of pot culture. Birthed in the underground cannabis scene, Sour Diesel is a strain that put weed in the minds of the mainstream world. It’s synonymous with graffiti on brick and punk, grunge, and hip-hop countercultures.

This bud’s genetics are hotly debated. Very different to today, where seedbanks and creators fight to claim the invention of popular strains, the underground cannabis scene of the 80s and 90s wasn’t exactly known for its record-keeping. Most likely from the East Coast, it’s often quoted that Sour Diesel is a cross of Chemdawg, Northern Lights, and Skunk #1.

Known for sour notes and whiffs of skunk and gas, Sour Diesel gives its genetics to countless modern strains like Headband, Sage N’ Sour, and Gas Berries: try it for yourself in Broken Coast’s Sour OG, which combines Sour Diesel with the equally legendary OG Kush.

JEAN GUY

Another Canadian-born strain, Jean Guy’s origins are deeply rooted in our francophone “Belle Province.” This strain came around in the late 90s and early 2000s, and was a prevalent part of the legalization movement in Québec. 

While Jean Guy’s parent strains are unknown, many speculate that its genetics come from White Widow. Even the strain’s name doesn’t betray its mysterious origins. “Jean Guy” is actually a francophone in-joke: when trying to come up with a fitting title, its creators tossed the name into the ring as the most Québécois thing they could come up with. The name stuck, and the rest is herb history.

Jean Guy is a potent sativa with a signature flavour and aroma of citrus, with notes of earth and evergreen. Good Supply’s Jean Guy has been a mainstay in our stores for years now, and continues to deliver!

What other legends are out there?

Even though there are more legendary strains than we have time to share, we couldn’t sign off without a few honourable mentions: if you want to learn more about where the strains you love came from, dive deep into more titans of THC like Skunk #1, Northern Lights, Blue Dream, Chemdawg, White Widow, Bubba Kush, and the strains that started it all, landraces like Afghani and Hawaiian.

Plus, try looking up the genetics of strains you know – in all likelihood, you’ll spot one of our legendary strains mixed in!