- White Widow is a hybrid Hybrid (60/40 Sativa-dominant) strain originating from Netherlands (Amsterdam), dating back to 1994.
- Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 19-25%.
- Its lineage runs through Brazilian Sativa (Manga Rosa) x South Indian Kerala Hybrid, making it a key reference point for breeders.
- 8 documented strains descend from White Widow, including modern market favourites.
- Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene — driving its signature aroma and effects.
About White Widow
White Widow is arguably the most famous and influential hybrid in modern cannabis history. Created in Amsterdam in 1994 by master geneticist Shantibaba (Scott Blakey), White Widow was bred by crossing a pure Brazilian Sativa landrace mother (often identified as Manga Rosa) with a resin-dripping South Indian Kerala mountain father. The resulting cultivar shocked the cannabis world with its unprecedented resin production: flowers so completely encrusted in capitate-stalked glandular trichomes that the green calyxes were practically obscured under a thick blizzard of white frost—inspiring its iconic moniker. The aroma is sharp, clean, and classic—bursting with fresh pine needles, spicy black pepper hash, sweet ammonia, damp earth, and subtle citrus blossoms. The smoke is smooth and powerful, delivering the gold standard of hybrid synergy: an initial soaring, lucid cerebral euphoria that stimulates deep thought and conversation, followed by a warm, soothing full-body physical calm.
Flavor Profile
The Story & Lineage Origin
🌿 1. Shantibaba's Landrace Quest (1994)
In the early 1990s in Amsterdam, master geneticist Shantibaba (Scott Blakey) embarked on an ambitious international breeding hunt. He paired a rare Brazilian Sativa landrace mother (believed to be Manga Rosa from the Amazon basin) with a resinous father he discovered during an expedition through the misty mountains of Kerala in Southern India, where local farmers had selected plants for generations purely for heavy charas resin output.
🏆 2. The 1995 Cannabis Cup Sensation
When the keeper cut was entered into the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup under Green House Seeds (co-founded with Arjan Roskam), it instantly captured 1st Place overall and 1st Place Bio. Judges and coffeeshop patrons were stunned by its visual appearance: buds so overwhelmingly encrusted in trichome crystals that they looked white from across the room, giving birth to the name 'White Widow'.
🏛️ 3. The Great Breeder Dispute & 'Black Widow'
In 1998, Shantibaba parted ways with Green House Seeds and partnered with Neville Schoenmakers and Howard Marks to establish Mr. Nice Seedbank. Taking his original parent stock with him, Shantibaba preserved the authentic 1994 gene pool under the name 'Black Widow' to differentiate the original pedigree from commercial copies.
👑 4. The 'White Family' Dynasty
White Widow's genetic stability and unmatched trichome production established the entire 1990s 'White Family' dynasty, directly fathering global champions like White Rhino, Great White Shark, White Russian, K2, and modern descendants like White Fire OG.
This strain is a staple of Amsterdam coffee shop menus. Check current availability and prices on DAM Live →
Find it on DAM Live: Browse White Widow 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 White Widow at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.
View Live Menus →Where to Find White Widow in Amsterdam
White Widow 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 White Widow
- Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested White Widow
- Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end White Widow with detailed lab reports
- Grey Area — Curated White Widow selection, limited stock
- LOF Amsterdam — Wide White Widow variety with delivery options
For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →
Genetic Background
Brazilian Sativa landrace mother crossed with a resin-selected South Indian Kerala mountain hybrid father by Shantibaba
Phenotypes & Cultivars
White Widow is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Awards & Recognition
White Widow has earned the following recognition:
Terpene Profile
White Widow 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 White Widow:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the THC percentage of White Widow?
White Widow typically tests at 19-25% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As a sativa-leaning strain, the THC delivers an uplifting cerebral experience.
Is White Widow a sativa or indica?
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain (Hybrid (60/40 Sativa-dominant)). Bred from Brazilian Sativa (Manga Rosa) x South Indian Kerala Hybrid, its effects lean toward an uplifting, cerebral sativa experience. Users report: Energetic cerebral euphoria, social stimulation, creative focus, deep muscle relaxation, mood elevation.
White Widow strain review — what to expect
White Widow is known for Energetic cerebral euphoria, social stimulation, creative focus, deep muscle relaxation, mood elevation. Brazilian Sativa (Manga Rosa) × South Indian Kerala Hybrid. Bred in 1994 by Shantibaba in Amsterdam, White Widow won 1st Place at the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, defined modern trichome frost, and launched the legendary 1990s 'White Family' dynasty. The aroma profile features pungent earthy pine, spicy black pepper hash, sharp ammonia, sweet citrus zest, floral wood. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
What are the phenotypes of White Widow?
White Widow expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including White Widow (Original 1994 Cut), Black Widow (Mr. Nice Seedbank authentic seedline), White Widow IBL, De Sjamaan White Widow. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.
What is White Widow crossed from?
White Widow was bred from Brazilian Sativa (Manga Rosa) x South Indian Kerala Hybrid. Detailed ancestry: Brazilian Sativa landrace mother crossed with a resin-selected South Indian Kerala mountain hybrid father by Shantibaba. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.
Is White Widow available in Amsterdam coffee shops?
Yes — White Widow 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 White Widow?
White Widow 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 White Widow yield and how long does it flower?
White Widow has a flowering time of 8-9 weeks (56-63 days) and produces high (500-600 g/m² indoor / 700g+ outdoor) yields. Plants reach medium (100-140 cm) height, making it a versatile size for most indoor setups.
What is White Widow and where does it come from?
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that originates from Netherlands (Amsterdam). It belongs to the early-1990s era of cannabis genetics. Brazilian Sativa (Manga Rosa) × South Indian Kerala Hybrid. Bred in 1994 by Shantibaba in Amsterdam, White Widow won 1st Place at the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, defined modern trichome frost, and launched the legendary 1990s 'White Family' dynasty.
What is the genetic background of White Widow?
White Widow has the following ancestry: Brazilian Sativa landrace mother crossed with a resin-selected South Indian Kerala mountain hybrid father by Shantibaba.
Is White Widow indica or sativa?
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.
What does White Widow smell and taste like?
White Widow has a Pungent earthy pine, spicy black pepper hash, sharp ammonia, sweet citrus zest, floral wood aroma, with flavors described as Earthy pine, spicy black hash, sweet citrus peel, clean woody herbal finish. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
Recommended Lineage & Breeding Guides
Deepen your understanding of White Widow's genetics and history with our editorial research:
Medical Applications
White Widow is commonly associated with: