We all have certain cannabis strains (or cultivars) that we hold dear to our hearts. Today, we will learn about two of the most popular strains in Canada, Pink Kush and Blue Dream. Discover the lineage of these cultivars, their significant characteristics, and what consumers and patients say about the effects.
Exploring Two Legendary Cannabis Strains
Blue Dream and Pink Kush emerged on the West Coast, as have many of the best strains in the world. In this competitive market with experienced consumers, both cultivars emerged from the masses. This emergence occurred because the buds produced by these strains made their mark on the world of cannabis.
Discover what we know about the history of these two prominent strains and the buds they produce. We’ll discuss potency, aroma, and what you can expect from smoking both of these legendary plants.
Here are all the key facts you need to know about Blue Dream and Pink Kush. Discover why both cultivars have become massive stars in Canada.
Let’s get started!
1. Pink Kush
Pink kush came to Canada sometime in the 2000s, producing an instant craze on the West Coast. Thanks to its potent punch, Pink Kush became a mainstay in British Columbia (BC). There was a point when it seemed like Pink Kush was the only strain that mattered in BC.
Pink kush is a relative of the highly respected OG Kush strain. That said, it has made a name for itself by providing consumers with a heavy body high. Genetics also come from Hindu Kush, a Himalayan landrace strain known for producing sedation.
This indica-dominant strain needs around 10-11 weeks to reach harvest, but it is worth the effort. The end product provides much to appreciate. You’ll first note the pink and orange pistils emerge from vibrant green buds. The sweet aroma with hints of vanilla and citrus will hit you next.
The buds may be on the smaller side, but you’ll quickly find they are dense buds. Looking closely, you’ll find a thick blanket of sugar-like trichomes. Inside these crystals, you’ll find plenty of THC, with Pink Kush commonly reaching 18-30% THC content. There is no denying the potency of this strain, as you find yourself quickly being absorbed by your couch.
Consumers love the calming and relaxing effects, producing a perfect nighttime strain. Over time, this strain has become associated with the term couch-lock. If you’ve ever tried it, you likely understand why. If you have, you also probably remember the bouquet of aromas includes hints of sweet vanilla, earthy pine, and citrus.
Pink Kush became a household name, and consumers continue to flock to it in the legal cannabis market. With substantial effects, high potency, and a recognizable street name, it is easy to see why Canadians love it. Generally, the most prominent terpene you’ll find inside is myrcene.
Consistency and More
A significant reason why this strain is so beloved is because of its consistency. The ever-consistent effects of this strain helped consumers learn what to expect. It is easy to see why sales of this strain in Canada are so high when we consider this consistency. There are no good reasons to dislike this incredible strain. Cannabis consumers widely adore the smell, smoking experience, and effects produced by this strain.
Canadian producers have been growing Pink Kush from coast to coast. The popularity of this strain may not be as high in America, but Canadians understand why it is so special. Expect to pay around $10/gram for Pink Kush in Canada. The strain is widely available in-store and online throughout the country.
Side-effects may include dry mouth and dry eyes. Stress tends to melt away after you smoke Pink Kush. Medical patients find that this strain helps alleviate pain, tension, and insomnia. You can expect a euphoric wave of happiness that is followed by relaxation and sleepiness.
Now, let us turn to the second strain that Canadians consistently enjoy!
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is one of the most popular strains in North America, and it has been for quite some time. This legendary West Coast strain has rapidly spread throughout Canada. And Canadians could not be happier about it!
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that is said to have originated in California. It was created by crossing Blueberry and Sativa Haze strains. These parents produced the balanced high that combines the best of both Sativa and Indica cultivars. For example, you can expect full-body relaxation with a clear head high.
The aroma has been described as a mixture of sweet mango and citrus notes combined with earthy spice. You can expect to see myrcene as the most prevalent terpene. Altogether, the deep flavor is the first thing you’ll notice when you open a Blue Dream package.
Blue Dream buds are usually a rich green with orange pistils. You’ll often find a solid coating of trichomes, reflecting the high THC potency. Depending on the growing conditions, this strain comes in at 20-25% THC potency.
Blue Dream Genetics
In 2019, a group of researchers set out to explore the genetics behind common cannabis strains. They also wanted to assess whether strain names aligned with plant genetics. Samples of Blue Dream were found to be highly consistent and unique compared to other cultivars. While there was some variation between different versions of Blue Dream, comparisons demonstrated a high degree of similarity (Schwabe & McGlaughlin, 2019).
Evidence like that study supports everything we hear from consumers. The consistency found in this strain, like Pink Kush, helps consumers trust the product they are buying. When you understand how a strain will precisely impact you, it helps develop trust. Canadians have discovered that Blue Dream is a strain they can trust, and that is why they keep buying so much of it.
Medical Cannabis Research
Blue Dream has become incredibly popular in Canada, partly alongside the medical cannabis market. Consumers commonly find plenty of benefits after smoking or vaping this strain. A study performed in the US helps us understand why.
First, the researcher discovered just how widespread this strain is. They found that Blue Dream was the second most preferred strain in their study. Specifically, these researchers were looking at Maine, and Rhode Island states. Here is what one participant had to say about the effects (Piper, 2018).
Quote: “The strain Blueberry and Blue Dream both work well for me, one is a primarily Indica (Blueberry) and the other is a primarily Sativa (Blue Dream) and both work well in different ways for the pain…The Sativa is better for pain management during the day when I need to maintain a clearer head.”
As you can see from this quote, Blue Dream was the sativa of the sativa of choice for this participant. Along with this fact, consumers often described their daytime use when describing this strain. Another individual from the study explained why they use this strain (Piper, 2018).
Quote: “I am also using Blue Dream to Help with my PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression during the day.“
Overall, the study found ‘extremely tentative’ findings to suggest that Blue Dream is beneficial for people with chronic pain. This is because it was a relatively small study exploring the lived experiences of medical cannabis patients. Nonetheless, it helps provide support for the benefits of this Blue Dream Piper, 2018).
Blue Dream costs around $10/gram in Canada, depending on the producer. And just like Pink Kush, it is widely available to recreational consumers and medical patients in Canada. Make sure you keep an eye out for this strain the next time you shop online or in-store.
Final Thoughts about Blue Dream and Pink Kush
You now see why these two cultivars rose to prominence and were able to become consistent household names. With a daytime sativa and bedtime indica, these two strains got your entire day covered. On the other hand, remember that not all products are of the same quality. Review the cultivation and processing practices to determine which versions of Blue Dream and Pink Kush will work best for you.
In Summary, Blue Dream is a fantastic sativa-dominant strain that medical cannabis patients enjoy for their daytime dosage. Alternatively, Pink Kush is an Indica-dominant strain that consistently provides a muscle tension melting experience. Both cultivars emerged from the West Coast, but they are widely available throughout Canada.
Citations
Piper B. J. (2018). Mother of Berries, ACDC, or Chocolope: Examination of the Strains Used by Medical Cannabis Patients in New England. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 50(2), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2017.1390179
Schwabe, A.L., McGlaughlin, M.E. Genetic tools weed out misconceptions of strain reliability in Cannabis sativa: implications for a budding industry. J Cannabis Res 1, 3 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0001-1.
