White Widow

In the world of cannabis, few strains share the renown of White Widow. Born in the Netherlands in the 1990s, White Widow forever changed the game for breeders, growers, and smokers alike, boasting an immense yet balanced high, great growth traits, and exceptional aromas that continue to impress smokers almost 30 years after its creation. Keep reading to learn more about this true Dutch classic. Strain History of White Widow White Widow is arguably one of the most well-known cannabis strains on the planet. However, the strain is just as controversial as it is famous; its origins are, to this date, highly debated, with some attributing the strain to Shantibaba while others attribute it to Ingemar De Sjamaan. Scott Blakey (Shantibaba) is a renowned cannabis geneticist and the current head of Mr. Nice Seed Bank. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Blakey started smoking cannabis at the age of 13. During his early years as a university student, he regularly traveled to Mullumbimby in northern New South Wales to bring back cannabis for himself and his friends. During the 1980s, Blakey traveled extensively through Asia on his motorbike, visiting countries like Myanmar (then-Burma), Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and India to collect seeds and pollen. In fact, it was in an ashram in Pondicherry, India, where Blakey was given the name Shantibaba (peace person) by local sadhus. Blakey also traveled to South America, collecting more seeds and pollen from Colombia, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador to further fuel his breeding projects. In 1988, Blakey relocated to Amsterdam where he became a central figure in the local coffeeshop and cannabis culture. In 1994, Blakey co-founded Green House Seeds with Arjan Roskam. He claims he created White Widow during these years from a Brazilian sativa male and an Indian mother, and went on to win his first cannabis cup with the strain in 1995. Over the coming years, together with Nevil Schoenmakers, Arjan Roskam, and other breeders, Shantibaba w