This guide describes the characteristics of five distinct cannabis strains: Pink Kush, Gelato, Sour Diesel, Granddaddy Purple, and Jean Guy. Each profile details the strain's origin, genetic lineage, typical cannabinoid content, and primary attributes based on available data. This guide is meant to help consumers understand the unique characteristics of each strain.

What is Pink Kush?

Pink Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. A descendant of OG Kush, this strain is available in Canada. It is recognized by its dense, green buds that are often covered in a thick layer of frosty trichomes and feature distinctive pink pistils.

• Genetic Lineage: Descendant of OG Kush

• Origin: Pacific Northwest, USA

• Typical THC Content: 20% - 24%

• Typical CBD Content: <1%

• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene

• Aroma & Flavour Profile: Pink Kush has a strong, sweet aroma with notes of vanilla and candy perfume, and an underlying floral scent. Its flavour profile often includes hints of sweet berries and a touch of earthy pine.

What is Gelato?

Gelato is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain from the Cookie Family of breeders in California. It is the product of crossing Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Its name reflects its flavour profile, which is often compared to a sweet, fruity dessert. The buds are often a mix of deep greens and purples, coated in a layer of resin.

• Genetic Lineage: Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies

• Origin: Cookie Fam Genetics, California, USA

• Typical THC Content: 17% - 25%

• Typical CBD Content: <1%

• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene

• Aroma & Flavour Profile: Gelato is known for its dessert-like aroma. It presents a scent of sweet berries and citrus. The taste is similar, with flavours of blueberry, orange, and a hint of lavender.

What is Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain thought to be a cross between Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk. The "diesel" part of its name comes from its pungent, gasoline-like aroma. Often called "Sour D," its distinctive profile has made it a recognizable strain that is available in the Canadian legal market. Its appearance is typically characterized by light green, frosty buds that are somewhat less dense than those of many indica strains.

• Genetic Lineage: Believed to be Chemdawg 91 x Super Skunk

• Origin: East Coast, USA

• Typical THC Content: 20% - 25%

• Typical CBD Content: <1%

• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene

• Aroma & Flavour Profile: Sour Diesel has a recognizable scent of diesel fuel, mixed with sour notes of lemon and citrus. The flavour is similarly sharp and skunky, with an earthy, lemony aftertaste.

What is Granddaddy Purple?

Granddaddy Purple (or "GDP") is an indica cannabis strain introduced in 2003. It is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud. The strain is known for its deep purple colours and its grape-like aroma. GDP is visually distinct, with oversized buds that show a spectrum of deep purple shades, contrasted by bright orange pistils and a coating of white trichomes. These characteristics make it a distinct indica strain.

• Genetic Lineage: Purple Urkle x Big Bud

• Origin: Ken Estes, California, USA

• Typical THC Content: 17% - 23%

• Typical CBD Content: <1%

• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene

• Aroma & Flavour Profile: Granddaddy Purple has a sweet aroma of grapes and berries. The flavour reflects its smell, delivering a sweet grape taste with a slightly floral, earthy undertone.

What is Jean Guy?

Jean Guy is a hybrid cannabis strain with sativa characteristics that originated in Quebec, Canada. It is a phenotype of the White Widow strain. The strain is identifiable by its frosty green buds and abundance of orange-red pistils. It is known for being very resinous, a trait inherited from its White Widow parent.

• Genetic Lineage: Phenotype of White Widow

• Origin: Quebec, Canada

• Typical THC Content: 20% - 25%

• Typical CBD Content: <1%

• Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

• Aroma & Flavour Profile: Jean Guy offers an aroma that combines citrusy notes of lemon and lime with an undertone of earthy pine. The flavour is crisp and tangy, dominated by citrus.

Comparative Analysis of Selected Strains

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of these five cannabis strains. This allows consumers to see the main differences in type, potency, and primary terpenes, which drive each strain's unique flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis Strains

How is a strain's THC content measured?

A strain's THC content is determined through third-party lab testing. A sample is analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The percentage reflects the concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol by dry weight.

What is the role of terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, that are responsible for a strain's specific aroma and flavour profile. Limonene, for instance, provides a citrus scent, while pinene offers a piney aroma.

What distinguishes indica, sativa, and hybrid strains?

Historically, indica and sativa classifications referred to the plant's physical characteristics. Hybrids are a cross between the two. However, modern cannabis science focuses more on cannabinoid and terpene profiles to understand a strain's characteristics.

How should I store my cannabis?

To maintain freshness, cannabis should be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, away from direct sunlight and heat. A cool, dark place helps preserve its aroma and potency.