- K2 is a hybrid Hybrid (Indica-dominant 65/35) strain originating from Netherlands (Amsterdam), dating back to 1998.
- Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 19-24%.
- Its lineage runs through White Widow x AK-47, making it a key reference point for breeders.
- 4 documented strains descend from K2, including modern market favourites.
- Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene — driving its signature aroma and effects.
About K2
K2 is one of the definitive commercial and coffeeshop triumphs of late-1990s Dutch cannabis breeding. Named in honor of Mount K2—the treacherous, snow-capped Karakoram mountain peak—K2 crosses two of the greatest titans in European cannabis history: the resin-dripping White Widow and the multi-cup champion AK-47. The resulting cultivar was engineered to perfection: producing dense, rock-solid, cone-shaped colas smothered in a thick blizzard of crystalline trichomes that resemble snow-capped mountain peaks. The aroma is clean, rich, and earthy—combining spicy Dutch hashish, sweet pine needles, skunky musk, and subtle citrus zest. The smoke delivers a smooth, fast-acting experience: an initial burst of cheerful, clear-headed cerebral energy that sparks conversation, transitioning effortlessly into a warm, deeply relaxing full-body calm that melts stress without immobilizing the consumer.
Flavor Profile
The Story & Lineage Origin
🏔️ 1. The Mountain Peak Namesake
In the late 1990s in Amsterdam, Dutch breeders set out to create the ultimate commercial indoor cultivar by crossing two reigning champions of the era: Shantibaba's resin-drenched White Widow with Serious Seeds' legendary AK-47. When the first test crops matured, the colossal colas were so completely blanketed in glittering white trichomes that breeders named it 'K2'—after the second-highest and most formidable snow-capped mountain peak on Earth.
⚡ 2. The Commercial 'Sea of Green' Workhorse
K2 became an immediate favorite among Dutch underground commercial cultivators because it solved AK-47's longer flowering cycle: finishing in an astonishingly rapid 7 to 8 weeks (50–55 days) while maintaining rock-solid bud density, high mold resistance, and colossal yields in Sea of Green (SOG) setups.
☕ 3. The Golden Era of Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, K2 was a permanent fixture on the menus of legendary Amsterdam coffeeshops like The Bulldog, Greenhouse, Rookies, and Abraxas, celebrated by tourists and locals alike for delivering an easy-going, sociable head high coupled with a reliable, tension-melting body stone.
⚠️ Botanical Distinction Note: Authentic K2 is a 100% natural, heritage botanical cannabis strain (*White Widow × AK-47*), completely unrelated to synthetic 'spice' chemical mixtures that later misappropriated the name.
This strain is a staple of Amsterdam coffee shop menus. Check current availability and prices on DAM Live →
Find it on DAM Live: Browse K2 across Amsterdam Coffee Shop Menus, Amsterdam Cannabis Guides, or see its live Amsterdam price index →
Live Amsterdam Pricing
See real-time prices, availability, and shop locations for K2 at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.
View Live Menus →Where to Find K2 in Amsterdam
K2 is a popular strain on Amsterdam's coffeeshop menus. Prices and availability change daily based on supply, quality, and seasonal harvests.
- Centrum / De Wallen — Most tourist-facing shops stock popular strains like K2
- Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested K2
- Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end K2 with detailed lab reports
- Grey Area — Curated K2 selection, limited stock
- LOF Amsterdam — Wide K2 variety with delivery options
For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →
Genetic Background
White Widow (Brazilian Sativa landrace x South Indian Kerala Indica) crossed with AK-47 (Colombian x Mexican x Thai x Afghani landraces)
Phenotypes & Cultivars
K2 is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Terpene Profile
K2 is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, along with 1 other minor terpenes. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Known Offspring
Strains that descend from K2:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the THC percentage of K2?
K2 typically tests at 19-24% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As an indica-leaning strain, the THC produces a heavier body-driven effect.
K2 strain review — what to expect
K2 is known for Clear-headed cerebral focus, sociable euphoria, mood elevation, warm full-body relaxation, stress release. White Widow × AK-47. Named after the world's second-highest mountain peak, K2 is a legendary late-1990s Dutch coffeeshop staple famed for its snow-capped trichome frost, rapid 7–8 week flowering speed, and balanced, sociable hybrid high. The aroma profile features spicy dutch hashish, sweet pine needles, skunky musk, earthy oak, subtle citrus zest. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
What are the phenotypes of K2?
K2 expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including K2 (Original Dutch Clone), K2 IBL, White K2, K2 Special. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.
What is K2 crossed from?
K2 was bred from White Widow x AK-47. Detailed ancestry: White Widow (Brazilian Sativa landrace x South Indian Kerala Indica) crossed with AK-47 (Colombian x Mexican x Thai x Afghani landraces). This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.
Is K2 available in Amsterdam coffee shops?
Yes — K2 is found on Amsterdam coffeeshop menus. It is part of the regulated Dutch wietexperiment supply chain. Live Amsterdam pricing and shop availability is updated daily on DAM Live.
What terpenes are in K2?
K2 is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, with 1 additional minor terpenes. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.
How much does K2 yield and how long does it flower?
K2 has a flowering time of 7-8 weeks (50-56 days) and produces high (500-600 g/m²) yields. Plants reach medium and compact (90-120 cm) height, making it a versatile size for most indoor setups.
What is K2 and where does it come from?
K2 is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that originates from Netherlands (Amsterdam). It belongs to the late-1990s era of cannabis genetics. White Widow × AK-47. Named after the world's second-highest mountain peak, K2 is a legendary late-1990s Dutch coffeeshop staple famed for its snow-capped trichome frost, rapid 7–8 week flowering speed, and balanced, sociable hybrid high.
What is the genetic background of K2?
K2 has the following ancestry: White Widow (Brazilian Sativa landrace x South Indian Kerala Indica) crossed with AK-47 (Colombian x Mexican x Thai x Afghani landraces).
Is K2 indica or sativa?
K2 is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.
What does K2 smell and taste like?
K2 has a Spicy Dutch hashish, sweet pine needles, skunky musk, earthy oak, subtle citrus zest aroma, with flavors described as Smooth sweet earth, spicy black pepper hash, fresh pine, woody herbal finish. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
What are the effects of K2?
Users report Clear-headed cerebral focus, sociable euphoria, mood elevation, warm full-body relaxation, stress release. As an indica-dominant strain, it leans toward relaxing body effects.
Medical Applications
K2 is commonly associated with: