Prestigious events like the High Times Cannabis Cup have long been celebrated as the ultimate stage for showcasing the best cannabis strains and seeds.
The High Times Best Seeds have not only earned the admiration of judges and enthusiasts but have also left a lasting impact on the cannabis industry.
From legendary strains that have become household names to lesser-known gems that hold a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs, we’ll explore the award-winning seeds that you might want to consider when growing marijuana.
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The History and Significance of the Cannabis Cup
The Cannabis Cup is a storied institution in the world of cannabis, with a rich history and enduring significance.
Founded in Amsterdam in 1988 by former High Times editor Steve Hager, this competition has evolved into a globally recognized championship of the best cannabis products.
The Cannabis Cup had humble beginnings, initially conceived as a way to celebrate and acknowledge the excellence of cannabis cultivated and bred by enthusiasts.
Over the years, it grew in scale and prestige, attracting participants and judges from around the world. The event features judges who sample and vote for their favorite marijuana varieties, with coveted cups (trophies) awarded to the overall winners.
It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of cannabis culture and innovation.
Winning the Cannabis Cup is considered one of the highest honors in the cannabis world. It signifies not only exceptional quality but also recognition from peers and experts in the industry.
The impact of the Cannabis Cup extends far beyond the event itself. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the cannabis industry by setting quality standards and encouraging breeders and growers to push the boundaries of cannabis cultivation.
The competition has fostered healthy competition and innovation, resulting in the development of legendary strains and seeds that have influenced cannabis markets worldwide.
Moreover, it has helped destigmatize cannabis and highlight its positive attributes, contributing to the ongoing global acceptance of marijuana.
The Cannabis Cup is not just a competition; it’s a reflection of the cannabis culture’s growth, a showcase of excellence, and a driving force behind the continuous advancement of the cannabis industry on a global scale.
A Round-up of Our Favorite High Times Best Seeds
The search for Cannabis Cup winners can be overwhelming. To make things easy, this guide presents a round-up of the top cannabis seeds and marijuana strains worth looking at.
1. Skunk #1
The winner of the first High Times Cannabis Cup in 1987, Skunk #1 is a top pick for those who want to buy seeds with a storied past.
It was a combination of Afghani, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold.
Skunk #1 marijuana seeds will produce robust and vigorous plants with dense buds. It typically has a short flowering time, making it suitable for indoor cultivation.
More so, it is renowned for its pungent and fruity aroma. It has a distinct skunky flavor that’s both memorable and long-lasting.
Lastly, this strain offers a balanced high, combining both energizing and relaxing effects. It induces euphoria while providing a calming sensation, making it suitable for various occasions.
2. Royal Gorilla
A celebrated strain that has clinched multiple High Times Cannabis Cup awards, Royal Gorilla is a mix of Sour Dub, Chem Sis, and Chocolate Diesel.
Growing this cannabis seed will create buds with a balanced 50% Sativa and 50% Indica composition, packing a high THC content of 27%. It is known for its soaring effects that transport users straight to heaven.
Standing at 90-160 cm indoors and 130-170 cm outdoors, it yields 500-550 g/m² indoors and 550-600 g/plant outdoors. With an indoor flowering time of 56-70 days and an outdoor finish in mid-October, Royal Gorilla is a true gem among cannabis connoisseurs.
3. Jack Herer
Photo from Reddit
The winner of the 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup, Jack Herer from Sensi Seed Bank is a strain specially tailored for indoor cultivation.
With its genetics rooted in Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Skunk #1, Jack Herer is a formidable contender in the world of cannabis.
It leans slightly towards Sativa dominance, boasting a composition of 55% Sativa and 45% Indica. It has a high THC content, reflecting its potency as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
While the exact height can vary, Jack Herer typically reaches for the skies, making it ideal for those with ample vertical space indoors.
Patience is required for indoor cultivation, with a flowering time of 70-84 days. The effort is rewarded with a strain that embodies the essence of excellence, both in its uplifting effect and its legacy of accolades in the cannabis world.
4. Girl Scout Cookies
This specific strain boasts an illustrious lineage, originating from the crossbreeding of OG Kush and Durban Poison. The result is a legendary strain that quickly gained fame as one of the most renowned cannabis varieties.
Indoor cultivators of Girl Scout Cookies cannabis seeds can relish in the harvest of delectable buds in a mere 70 days of flowering. Alternatively, outdoor growing brings bounty by early October.
The rewards of these cannabis seeds are impressive. When grown indoors, expect yields of up to 450g/m² of trichome-coated flowers, while outdoor plants can produce as much as 700g per plant.
Beyond its recreational appeal, Girl Scout Cookies shines as a medicinal choice. With a high cannabinoid content, it offers relief to those battling chronic pain, nausea, and depression.
5. Super Lemon Haze
Photo from Reddit
This sativa-dominant hybrid retains all the beloved characteristics of the original strain but with a simplified cultivation process. While the average THC level is a respectable 15%, seasoned growers can coax it to a formidable 22%.
Super Lemon Haze autoflowering seeds trace their lineage to the fusion of the cerebral Super Silver Haze and the somewhat indica Lemon Skunk.
In under three months, from planting to harvest, thick branches support abundant flowers, delivering moderate yields that satisfy experienced growers.
Super Lemon Haze Autoflower is versatile and can thrive in various conditions, but it truly shines in warm, Mediterranean-like climates.
When growing outdoors, ensure protection from heavy rain or frost to safeguard your precious auto Super Lemon Haze harvest. Greenhouse cultivation is also a viable option.
6. Northern Lights
Photo from Reddit
This Indica-dominant hybrid has up to 18% THC. It delivers a potent yet balanced experience.
The Northern Lights strain typically reaches an average size and undergoes a vegetative stage of 4 to 8 weeks. When it comes to flowering, expect a relatively short period of 7 to 9 weeks. This efficient strain rewards growers with yields ranging from 12 to 16 ounces per.
Northern Lights entices the senses with a complex aroma profile. Notes of citrus, earthiness, lemon, pine, skunkiness, spiciness, and sweetness harmonize, creating an inviting scent that mirrors its impressive effects.
Consumers of Northern Lights can anticipate an array of euphoric, happy, and relaxed sensations, sometimes leading to a peacefully sleepy state.
7. Master Kush
Photo from MSNL
Up next on our list of the High Times Cannabis Cup champions is Master Kush. It was the overall winner in 1992 and 1993. This Indica-dominant hybrid has a THC level that reaches up to 19%.
Master Kush is celebrated for its exceptional productivity, often yielding up to 600 grams per square meter. This strain’s remarkable abundance has made it a beloved choice among cultivators seeking a substantial return on their cultivation efforts.
Cultivators of Master Kush enjoy the benefit of an efficient flowering period, typically lasting 8 to 10 weeks. This makes it an attractive option for growers who appreciate a timely harvest.
8. Amnesia Haze
If you’re looking for Cannabis Cup winners with Sativa-dominant genetics, Amnesia Haze is a great choice. It is the winner of the 2012 Sativa Cup and 2004 Indica Cup.
Amnesia Haze autoflower cannabis seeds take approximately 10 to 14 weeks to flower. Indoor growers can anticipate yields of approximately 5 ounces per square meter, while outdoor cultivation can yield up to 15 ounces.
Despite its small stature, reaching heights of up to 26 inches, it can have massive yields.
The high typically sets in within 10 to 15 minutes after consumption, offering an energetic and uplifting experience.
It’s renowned for inducing giddy and giggly sensations, making it perfect for social gatherings. While its effects are not long-lasting, this trait appeals to many recreational users.
9. Super Silver Haze
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Continuing this compilation of High Times Cannabis Cup winners is Super Silver Haze, one of the best Sativa strains in the market. It is 90% Sativa and 10% Indica. Meanwhile, the THC is 24% on average.
Nonetheless, this may not necessarily be the best option for novices, as it is moderately difficult to grow. On average, the flowering time will take 12 to 14 weeks.
Super Silver Haze seeds will produce buds perfect if you’re looking for something uplifting and energizing. It’s also well-loved for its ability to influence creativity.
10. MK Ultra
Wrapping up this guide for the best High Times seeds is MK Ultra, which is 70% Indica and 30% Sativa with a THC level of 19%. It was a back-to-back winner for the Indica category of the Cannabis Cup in 2003 and 2004.
This specific strain is a hybrid of G13 and OG Kush. The combination of these strains results in a classic and reliable plant that produces dense nugs.
MK Ultra will thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. Grown outdoors, the flowering time takes 8 to 10 weeks.
Different Factors to Consider When Buying Cannabis Seeds
To help you narrow down your choices, below are other things to consider when choosing from the variety of High Times seeds.
- Seed Bank Reputation: Research the seed bank carefully, read reviews, and consider its track record. A reputable seed bank will offer quality genetics and reliable customer service. Be cautious of unverified or obscure platforms that sell cannabis seeds.
- Cultivation Environment: Some strains thrive indoors, while others are better suited for outdoor cultivation. Ensure your chosen strain aligns with your growing space, climate, and resources.
- Growing Difficulty: Consider your level of experience as a grower. Some strains are more forgiving for beginners, while others may require advanced cultivation skills. Choose strains that match your expertise to maximize success.
- Feminized vs. Regular Seeds Feminized seeds are typically easier for beginners because they produce female plants, eliminating the need to identify and remove males. Regular seeds offer breeding possibilities but require sexing plants.
- Yield and Harvest Time: Different strains produce varying amounts of cannabis, and harvest times can range from a few months to longer. Consider your desired yield and patience for the flowering period.
- THC and CBD Content: Check the cannabinoid profile of the strain. Some strains are high in THC, providing psychoactive effects, while others have higher CBD levels, offering medicinal benefits without a significant high.
- Aroma and Flavor: Consider the aroma and flavor profiles that appeal to you. Cannabis strains offer a wide range of scents and tastes, from fruity and sweet to earthy and spicy. Select strains that match your preferences.
- Budget: Finally, consider your budget. High-quality seeds may come at a premium price, but investing in reputable genetics is often worth it for a successful harvest. Balance your budget with your desire for top-notch seeds.
Conclusion
In a world filled with choices, choosing a cannabis strain and seed bank is no walk in the park. Especially if you’re a novice, you might end up being overwhelmed with the long list of alternatives.
A good way to filter the results is to limit your search to High Times Cannabis Cup Winners, specifically those you can buy from reputable seed banks. These seeds have been scrutinized and recognized by experts, so you can be confident that the quality is second to none.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy High Times Cannabis Cup-winning seeds?
Yes, many seed banks offer seeds from strains that have won the High Times Cannabis Cup. These seeds allow growers to cultivate award-winning genetics in their own gardens.
Are there different categories for Cannabis Cup winners?
Yes, the High Times Cannabis Cup typically has various categories, including Best Indica, Best Sativa, Best Hybrid, Best CBD, Best Concentrate, and more. Each category recognizes excellence in a specific aspect of cannabis cultivation and consumption.
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