phenotypes
Holy Grail Marijuana Strain Review
Holy Grail is a heavenly hybrid of epic proportion. Originally cultivated by the magical bean breeders at DNA Genetics & Reserva Privada, the Holy Grail strain took first place for hybrid seeds during the 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup (HTCC).
The Result: Being the progeny of award winning parents (Kosher Kush & OG 18), Holy Grail came out on top of the hybrid competition, and is said to have taken home the first-ever perfect score at a HTCC competition.
Type: Indica Hybrid
Also Known As: Holy Grail Kush
Genetics: OG #18 & Kosher Kush
Origin: DNA Genetics & Reserva Privada
How Stoned Will You Get: Holy Grail Hits an 8 out of 10 in strength
Average THC: 23%
Average Price Per ?: $40
Awards: Hybrids — 2011 HTCC.
Dispensaries Carrying Holy Grail: 19
Strain Profile/The Science: The admiration heaped upon the Holy Grail revolves around the strains over-the-top potency. Featuring THC levels that have tested at well-over 20%, this modern hybrid instills a slightly mellower high than its name might suggest.
Appearance: As a hybrid, the Holy Grail strain combines the complex phenotypes commonly found in two of today’s more popular Indicas. Producing a pocket-sized plant that resides on the shorter side of the height spectrum.
Consistency: The Holy Grail strain produces sticky dense nugs that are thick with resin and blanketed in THC rich trichomes.
Scent: The intricate mix of flavonoids in Holy Grail produces a seriously spicy aroma – easily as visually impressive as the strain is potent – the aromatic quality of this hybrid is that of an untainted Kush. Rich with a uniquely complex spicy/citrus fragrance, this strain is easily detectable while being cultivated and once harvested … so growers beware.
Taste: Spicy / citrus
Effect: Incredibly stoney
Strain Background: Kosher Kush & OG 18
Growth and Seed Info: As is the case with most hybrids, the Holy Grail strain tends to produce a slightly more nuanced bud. Short, stocky, and ready to flower at the drop of a light switch – this strain works perfect for the indoor cultivator.
Pros: Known to produce a blissful and relaxed state of mind
Cons: Red eyes, dry mouth and occasional paranoia
Original Breeder: DNA Genetics & Reserva Privada
Current Breeder: DNA Genetics & Reserva Privada
Known Phenotypes: Produces Indica sized flowers from short / stout females
Seed Bank of Choice: Seed Mine
Flowering Time: 6 – 8 weeks
Flowering Type: Dense
Growth Height: Short, yet dense
Expected Yield: 1 – 4 ounces (Depending on the skill of the cultivator)
Garden Skill Level: Intermediate
Breeder Quote/Advice: Perfect for indoor cultivation
Medical Uses: Holy Grail is known to increase appetite, reduce incidences of insomnia, minimize depression, reduce pain and mitigate daily stress.
Verdict: As a cross between Kosher Kush and OG 18, Holy Grail provides it’s consumer a spicy hit of one of today’s more potent strains. Great for the intermediate gardener, this strain thrives in the indoor environment.
Related Strains: OG 18 & Kosher Kush
Family: Indica / OG with spicy overtones
In the below 2011 video, Gil and Miss High Times review some frosty Holy Grail nugs from the now closed Costa Mesa Patient’s Association.
(Photo Courtesy Of Gil Mota)
Medical Marijuana Laboratory’s Quest for Safer Medicine goes National
As politicians still take a wait and see approach on the “research” associated with marijuana, they ironically often avoid speaking to those who have been in the field gathering piles of data on the subject. As this industry shows it is here to stay, we must accept that patients need safe and tailored medicine which can only be ensured by quality lab testing after proper cultivation.
Unlike a pharmaceutical pill which takes hundreds of millions of dollars to get to the market and cannot easily be altered, marijuana strains can be cultivated in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the patient. We are happy to see that Jeffrey Raber Ph.D and The Werc Shop are being well received across the country. Getting past the typical talking points and eye rolls can be tough, but Jeff has started to notice a change in this trend. Authorities are also starting to realize that medical marijuana is here to stay and it is going to need regulation.
Recently Jeff took The Werc Shop’s message across the country as he traveled from California to New Jersey. At the New Jersey Association for Forensic Scientists (NJAFS) annual conference, Jeff was asked to address the attendees. He made a great presentation and described many of the cutting edge techniques they are utilizing for terpene profiling, microbiological screening, and cannabinoid profiling. With years of experience, Jeff may be able to help the east coast states get up to speed on the sophistication of the testing done out west. While New Jersey government officials may have delayed their medical marijuana program from starting, Jeff feels the members of the NJAFS are ready and willing to do a thorough job once the program starts serving patients. One impressed crime lab chemist told him that he tests cannabis everyday but has never looked at it quite the way Jeff does. They were also amazed at how benign marijuana cannabinoids are in comparison to the synthetics found in recently outlawed products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Overall, it seemed that those who took part in the conference were very receptive to Jeff’s presentation and are looking to increase their scientific knowledge of the cannabis plant.
Jeff was excited to finally get to speak to audiences about utilizing terpene data to identify phenotypes and accurate strain names. As many of us know, “The Marijuana Name Game”, while fun, has been a bit of a roadblock for this industry to gain total mainstream support. A silly name such as “Purple Urkle” does not exactly tell patients if the medication is suited to their needs. Marijuana.net and The Werc Shop are both working hard to bring uniform definitions to strains. Jeff’s excitement was shared and he was immediately approached to give a similar presentation at Rutgers University. Jeff agreed and again noticed an engaged audience.
For those who question a lack of research in medical marijuana, they need only look to labs like The Werc Shop. The benefits of medical marijuana are constantly becoming more widely known. When conventional treatments fail, it is not realistic to assume patients are not going to seek alternatives, especially when these alternatives can relieve pain and produce little side effects. Medical marijuana is here and the future of this industry needs to rely on regulation and testing to endure the best and safest medicine gets out to patients.