The White Widow cannabis strain has been around for more than two decades, during which its popularity has spanned the globe. These days, you can find this strain everywhere, from dispensaries in the United States to cozy coffee shops in Amsterdam.
The reasons for its widespread popularity in the cannabis world are its strong effects and distinct genetic characteristics.
Whether you are interested in cultivating this beloved strain or are simply curious about White Widow, this article will cover everything you need to know.
We delve into its ideal growing conditions, its strain’s flavor and aroma profile, and unique characteristics and even share insights into user experiences.
>>Check the best prices for White Widow strain here
What is the White Widow Strain?
White Widow is a celebrated balanced hybrid in the cannabis community that is a combination of 60% Indica and 40% Sativa genetics, with superior resin production.
Its distinctive appearance is thanks to its dense layer of frosty trichomes, which is a hallmark of its landrace strains heritage and one of the main reasons behind its unique name.
Users can expect a pleasant and uplifting cerebral high and that is the perfect muse for creative tasks. It also delivers a gentle calming physical relaxation.
It is the go-to choice of many cannabis enthusiasts when they need to interact at their best at social gatherings, and it can also be used to manage stress and pain at the right doses.
Origins of the White Widow Strain
The original White Widow strain is a cannabis innovation of Scott Blakey, aka Shantibaba the famous cannabis breeder at the Green House Seed Company during his work in Amsterdam.
It is thought that he crossed a Brazilian landrace with a South Indian Indica, and both were picked for their specific, complementary traits.
The paternal genetics, famous for resin production, were acquired from cultivators near the Kerala mountains, while the maternal Sativa was sourced from Brazil.
It quickly gained legendary status for its effects, appearance, and cultivability, and this was further cemented after it won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1995.
It has since been used as the foundation genetics and later served as a foundation for many other well-known strains, such as White Russian, Super Silver Haze, and Arjan’s Ultra Haze.
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White Widow Characteristics
The White Widow marijuana strain has a number of unique traits, such as its versatile and potent effects, as well as its striking appearance thanks to its frosted crystal resin coating. In this part of our guide, we take a closer look at what makes this weed variety so extraordinary.
Genetics
As we mentioned before, this strain has the energizing properties of South American Sativa with the calming features of Indica dominant cannabis, resulting in a variety of cannabis plants that are hardy and resilient.
They flourish in both indoor and outdoor environments and produce dense, sticky buds that are perfect for extracting high-quality concentrates, making it a favorite strain option among cannabis growers.
Effects
The most typical White widow effects are a blend of balanced, uplifting cerebral effects and gentle relaxation. Its cerebral stimulation sparks mood enhancement, creativity, and increased focus and is perfect for activities that require strong mental focus and concentration.
On the physical side, it provides soothing and calming sensations that are not too overly sedating. However, at higher doses, this strain has been known to produce couch-lock effects.
Its unique combination of Sativa and Indica genetics makes it well-suited for alleviating stress, moderate chronic pain, and anxiety while allowing you to stay productive and focused.
Appearance
White Widow is undoubtedly one of the most visually striking cannabis plants around due to its frosty and shimmering crystal resin coating and pale green buds. These features are further enhanced by vibrant orange pistils for a contrasting and eye-catching appearance.
Aroma & Flavor
The flavor profile of this variety is another aspect that wows users, with a mix of lingering sweetness and earthiness, that is complemented by a refreshing burst of citrus and subtle herbal and spice notes.
Its rich and layered platform is what keeps users with sophisticated palates coming back for more.
THC Content
The white widow strain contains moderate THC levels ranging between 15% and 20%. This potency strikes a balance between intense mental stimulation and manageable physical relaxation.
This makes it a great choice for new users or those who do not wish to be overwhelmed by the effects of THC.
Benefits of White Widow
Now that we have got the basics of this strain down, we take a look at some of its potential therapeutic benefits.
Pain Management
This balanced hybrid is a great option for users who need effective pain relief while also allowing them to remain alert and productive [1].
This is often the choice of working professionals or students who are not willing to sacrifice their mental clarity for the sake of pain relief. It is effective at managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
White Widow is known for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety through its mood-lifting and calming effects. The strain interacts with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the body to alleviate stress and reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression [2].
It gives users a more positive outlook and helps them to manage feelings of stress without causing excessive drowsiness. This is especially useful for cannabis users who need that little something extra to manage social gatherings.
Sleep Management
As with most Indica hybrids, the White Widow helps to ease muscle tension and relaxes the body, making it an excellent pick for medical marijuana patients to help address sleep issues like insomnia or poor sleep routines [3].
Its moderate potency means that it does not cause excessive grogginess that is associated with traditional sleeping pills.
>>Check the best prices for White Widow strain here
Cultivating White Widow
Next, we cover everything cultivators need to know about White Widow. While this strain does well in both indoor and outdoor environments thanks to its strong adaptability and sturdiness, there are specific optimal conditions that growers need to be aware of to get the best high-quality yields.
Indoor Growing Tips
When grown indoors most White Widow plants reach heights of one meter, with compact, dense central colas. The ideal growing conditions for these plants include a light cycle of 18 hours during the vegetative stages, room temperatures of between 70-80°F (21-27°C), and humidity levels of 50%.
Adding perlite to soil can also promote good drainage and better nutrient absorption. Together, these optimal conditions are bound to stimulate maximum bud growth.
Outdoor Growing Tips
These plants need sunny warm climates to flourish, particularly places where the temperatures are around 70-85°F (21-29°C). If you plant early in spring, in nutrient rich soil, and with plenty of sunlight, you can expect good yields in mid-October of 600 grams per square meter.
Just remember to regularly prune your plants to improve airflow, prevent mold and pests, and avoid overwatering them to prevent them from getting waterlogged.
How to Get the Best Yield?
To help you get premium quality large yields, we have compiled a list of hand tips for growers.
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This versatile choice of cannabis responds well to vegetative stage growing techniques such as topping. This is a great way to encourage multiple flowering sites.
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You should also allow a full four-week vegetative phase for proper plant structure before transitioning into flowering.
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Outdoor low-stress training (LST) techniques can even out the canopy for better light penetration.
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Make sure you provide your pants with the right amount and types of nutrients during their different growing stages. They will need nitrogen during vegetative growth and more potassium and phosphorus during the flowering phase.
White Widow Awards and Recognition
White Widow gained significant acclaim after winning 1st place in both the Bio and main strain categories at the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup. This accomplishment highlighted its exceptional frosty, white trichome-laden appearance, which is, without a doubt, this strain’s defining feature.
Since then, White Widow has continued to earn respect in cannabis competitions worldwide, cementing its legacy as one of the most celebrated strains in the industry
Where to Buy White Widow Seeds?
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Seed Supreme – Best seed bank for white widow strain overall
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Homegrown Cannabis Co. – Great variety of autoflower seeds
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Royal Queen Seeds – Exclusive range of F1 hybrids
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Seedsman – Ideal choice for clones and landrace strains
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ILGM – Best for beginner-friendly options
1. Seed Supreme – Best Seed Bank for White Widow Strain Overall
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Customers receive free seeds with every purchase
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More than 4,000 cannabis seed varieties
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Discount codes are regularly provided to customers
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A 100% germination guarantee on all purchases
SeedSupreme is probably the largest online seed bank in the United States, with over 4,000 cannabis seed varieties from over a thousand reputable breeders.
They offer autoflowering and feminized seeds as well as high-THC options with potencies often exceeding 30%. Some of their most legendary strains, such as Acapulco Gold and Granddaddy Purple, with more modern types like Black Cat Kush, are also available.
Seed Supreme also provides seeds tailored to diverse flavor preferences, ranging from fruity pineapple, caramel, and vanilla to savory cheese, fuel, and garlic aromas.
For growers of all experience levels, SeedSupreme offers detailed growing resources, seed packs, and fertilizer kits to support a successful cultivation process.
The company ships discreetly and quickly across the United States, with unmarked packaging to maintain customer privacy.
For payments, multiple popular methods are accepted, including credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, checks, money orders, Bitcoin, and even phone payments for added convenience.
Seed Supreme provides a 100% germination guarantee along with many other perks such as a monthly free seed deal and a 5% discount on first-time purchases.
>>Check out the best price for White Widow at Seed Supreme
2. Homegrown Cannabis Co. – Great Variety of Autoflower Seeds
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High-quality high-CBD seeds
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Valuable germination guides for cannabis plants
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100% reliable germination guarantee
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Focuses on developing its own in-house genetics
Homegrown Cannabis Co. is a trusted seed bank specializing in unique in-house hybrid genetics and has developed award-winning strains such as the visually striking Blue Quartz, beginner-friendly Crystal Pinkman Auto, and the sweet and aromatic Kyle’s Sweet Island.
They also offer a number of high-CBD strains for potential therapeutic benefits to iconic marijuana varieties, like White Widow, Sour Diesel, Granddaddy Purple, Wedding Cake, and Strawberry Cough, available in both feminized and autoflowering versions.
All of their seeds embody diversity in terms of cannabinoid content while maintaining genetic quality, and this is why many of their products have been recognized in publications like Leafly, Oaksterdam, The Washington City Paper, and Leafwell.
They also have a special “Deals” tab for subscribers, which includes BOGO offers for selected strains, mix packs at reduced prices, and the popular $99 12-pack. First-time buyers receive a 10% discount, making it more accessible for newcomers to start growing.
>>Check out the best price for White Widow at Homegrown Cannabis Co.
3. Royal Queen Seeds – Exclusive Range of F1 Hybrids
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Every order comes with complimentary seeds
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Offers F1 hybrid seeds known for superior genetic quality
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Impressive 4.7/5 rating from over 36,000 customer reviews
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Frequent site-wide discounts of up to 25%
With over 40000 positive reviews, it is clear that Royal Queen Seeds is one of the giants of the cannabis industry. They provide a diverse selection of seeds, featuring over 50 feminized options, 35+ autoflowering strains, and a smaller collection of regular seeds.
Their feminized varieties include popular strains such as Royal Gorilla and White Widow, both award-winning choices. Beginner-friendly strains like Fat Banana and premium rare F1 hybrids such as Apollo F1 and Medusa are also equally impressive and stand out in their offerings.
Customers can pay using commonly used methods like credit cards, bank transfers, or even Bitcoin, and the company offers several rewards for subscribers, including a 10% newsletter signup discount, free seeds with every order, and loyalty points through their Growers Club.
>>Check out the best price for White Widow at Royal Queen Seeds
4. Seedsman – Ideal Choice for Clones and Landrace Strains
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Large selection of beginner-friendly seeds and clones
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Exclusive selection of back-crossed and landrace strains
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Provides seeds with high concentrations of minor cannabinoids and terpenes
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Backed by over 7,700 verified customer reviews
Seedsman is a well-known seed seller that partners with respected cannabis breeders, including Barney’s Farm, Dutch Passion, The Real Seed Company, The Plug Seedbank, and Happy Valley Genetics.
They provide a wide variety of seeds, including feminized, regular, and autoflowering options, with popular strains like Sour Diesel, Wedding Cake, Bruce Banner, and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Their catalog also includes seeds tailored for medical purposes, featuring high levels of CBD, as well as options with increased cannabigerol (CBG), THCA, and THCV content. They are also one of the few seed banks to clones, which are a more convenient and efficient option to regular seeds.
Apart from just seeds, cannabis enthusiasts can also look forward to the site’s comprehensive Grow Guides and access to a useful forum for cultivation where growers offer help and advice to each other.
First-time buyers are welcomed with a 10% discount on their initial purchase, and regular subscribers can look forward to frequent BOGO deals and Pick and Mix promotions.
>>Check out the best price for White Widow at Seedsman
5. ILGM – Best for Beginner-Friendly Options
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Free Grow Bible to help you get started effectively
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Great range of marijuana grow kits
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$10 discount on your first purchase
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ILGM VIP program for extra benefits
ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana) is a seed seller that offers an impressive selection of over 100 feminized seed types and 60 autoflower varieties.
Their catalog includes both popular strains and unique options, as well as premium varieties bred with unique genetics from Phylos Bioscience. These include flavors like the tropical pastry profile of Pineapple Donut and the bold citrus notes of Yuzu Sour.
Many users flock here due to their selection of beginner-friendly options with classics such as White Widow, Purple Haze, Maui Wowie, Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Blue Dream. They also offer specialized growing kits, including a beginner kit and one designed to maximize yields.
They accept payments from a wide variety of options such as credit cards, checks, Bill Pay, WIRE, ACH, Bitcoin, or cash by mail, and all of their orders are shipped discreetly across the US
New customers receive a $10 discount on their first purchase, and select seed varieties, like White Widow and Girl Scout Cookies, are often featured in Buy 10, Get 10 deals.
>>Check out the best price for White Widow at ILGM
Customer Reviews
To give you a better idea about the kind of results you can expect from cultivating White Widow, we thought to show you just some of the overwhelming positive feedback this strain has received from both indoor and outdoor growers.
Kyle purchased White Widow seeds from Seed Supreme and enjoyed how simple they were to grow and the high yield they produced.
By allowing the trichomes to develop a slight amber hue, he achieved a relaxing smoke that worked well for daytime use. He really appreciated that the end product provided calmness without excessive laughter or lethargy.
Marco M. is a first-time grower who ordered seeds from Homegrown Cannabis Co., and he gave detailed commentary on his growing process and noted that the flowering time lasted as expected, and the buds developed a strong resin coating with a pleasing scent. After harvesting and drying the flower for a week it reached the perfect quality and strength.
User JH, a Seedsman customer, stated that he had to grow his White Widow plants in a large 200-gallon pot just to keep up with its substantial yields. He mentioned that even with a small number of seeds, he harvested an impressive 2.5 pounds.
FAQs
If you still have more questions about growing or consuming the White widow strain, then take a look at our detailed FAQ sections.
Why is White Widow So Popular?
White Widow gained its fame for its balanced properties, which deliver both an uplifting effect and calming experience, as well as its distinctive and attention-grabbing appearance, with its sticky resin-coated buds.
Is the White Widow Strain Indica or Sativa?
White Widow is a hybrid strain that equally combines Indica and Sativa genetics. This balance results in a mix of energizing mental effects and soothing physical relaxation.
Is White Widow Good for Anxiety?
White Widow has the potential to help some individuals manage anxiety with its calming yet mood-lifting effects. Its balanced nature is useful in reducing stress while promoting a mild sense of relaxation.
Which Hybrids are Made from White Widow?
White Widow has helped to create a number of well-known hybrids such as White Rhino, Blue Widow, Black Widow and others. These strains have a similar trichome-dense appearance of the original strain while offering their own version of unique effects and flavors.
How Long Does White Widow Take to Flower?
The flowering period for White Widow typically lasts between 8 to 9 weeks in indoor setups. When grown outdoors, it often reaches full maturity and is ready for harvest by early to mid-October if planted in early spring.
Where Can I Get the Best White Widow Seeds?
You can find quality White Widow weed seeds from reputable suppliers on our list, like Seed Supreme, Seedsman, and ILGM. These trusted sources provide seeds with strong genetic integrity and high germination rates.
Final Notes
This brings an end to our guide on the White Widow strain. Hopefully, by now you have learned all you need to about this moderate potency option. This hybrid is known for its relaxing effects,and strong sense of mental focus, and its sweet and sugary taste is just another added perk.
If you are set on growing this iconic and celebrated cannabis variety, we recommend you first check Seed Supreme and other seed banks we discussed if you value premium quality.
Whether you are experienced with cannabis or just beginning to explore it, White Widow deserves your attention.
References:
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Romero-Sandoval EA, Kolano AL, Alvarado-Vázquez PA. Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Chronic Pain. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2017 Oct 5;19(11):67. doi: 10.1007/s11926-017-0693-1. PMID: 28983880.
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Lookfong NA, Raup-Konsavage WM, Silberman Y. Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Apr;8(2):230-240. doi: 10.1089/can.2022.0130. Epub 2022 Nov 21. PMID: 36409719; PMCID: PMC10061337.
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Kuhathasan N, Minuzzi L, MacKillop J, Frey BN. The Use of Cannabinoids for Insomnia in Daily Life: Naturalistic Study. J Med Internet Res. 2021 Oct 27;23(10):e25730. doi: 10.2196/25730. PMID: 34704957; PMCID: PMC8581757.
This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2025.