Experience the strains that made Amsterdam the center of the weed world.

In the entirety of the long love affair between people and cannabis, there’s never been a place quite like Amsterdam. During the dark years of near-universal cannabis prohibition, the Netherlands was a lone bastion of legal weed, and Amsterdam was the nation’s beating heart.

Cannabis enthusiasts of all stripes made pilgrimages to the Netherlands to experience the world-famous “coffeeshops” for themselves and returned home with stories of now-legendary strains like White Widow, Amnesia Haze, and Northern Lights. 

The culture of creation and appreciation nurtured in the Amsterdam coffeeshops gave rise to a generation of master breeders that influence the broader cannabis conversation to this day. Some of the foremost of these growers found their home at Royal Queen Seeds, the iconic European seed bank that has recently made its way to American shores. 

We recently met RQS and learned about their fascinating F1 hybrid seeds, but this time, we’re looking back into the past with their Coffeeshop Classic seed bundle. This bundle of three famous strains, White Widow, Amnesia Haze, and Northern Lights, pays homage to a golden age of cannabis when the coffeeshop reigned supreme. 

We’ll take a quick look at what made the coffeeshop scene so special, how it came to be, and how its legacy continues today. Then, we’ll take a peek at the strains included in the bundle and how they came to define the Amsterdam era. Let’s dive in!

How the Dutch saved weed

The Netherlands’ world-famous “coffeeshops,” which have been serving the needs of Dutch cannabis lovers and perplexing caffeine-deprived tourists for decades, owe their existence to a lucky confluence of factors.

Strong labor unions and a cultural bent towards pragmatism combined to make the Dutch legal system somewhat idiosyncratic, and these quirks encouraged Dutch authorities to take a laissez-faire approach to drug enforcement when it came to cannabis.

It wasn’t always that way, however. During the wave of psychoactive drug proliferation that happened all over the US and Europe during the 1960s, the Dutch responded as repressively as any other government. In the 1970s, the ever-pragmatic people wisely decided to reassess this policy and discovered that the cost of cannabis prohibition far outweighed the benefits.

While they did not fully legalize cannabis, the Dutch adopted a policy of non-enforcement of the laws currently on the books. In a situation that might be familiar to readers in a few American states, this resulted in a situation where cannabis is neither legal nor illegal, a term the Dutch call “Gedogen” but we might be more familiar with as a “grey market.”

But what does any of this have to do with coffee? Well, by the time the Geodogen era came around, cannabis had already completely penetrated youth culture in the Netherlands. It was not at all uncommon for cannabis dealers to congregate in the same places young people would, like music venues, movie theatres, and yes, coffeeshops.

When the Dutch government was considering what they should do about these “house dealers,” they decided it would be better to keep them dealing in safe venues, rather than being forced into the rougher parts of town where cannabis-seeking young people might encounter harder drugs.

Thus, coffeeshop became the unofficial, then official, term for a location where one could buy cannabis, and over the years, the coffeeshops grew into the world-famous industry they are today. 

These factors combined to make the coffeeshops the premier locale for cannabis enthusiasts to meet each other, talk about the craft of growing, and compare favorite strains. It’s no underestimation to say that these coffeeshops had an essential role in nurturing and pioneering the cannabis culture that we all know and love today.

If it weren’t for the coffeeshops, there wouldn’t even be a Leafly! So next time you spark up your favorite strain, spare a thought for the coffeeshops of ages past that served an essential role in keeping your joint lit. 

The deep roots of Royal Queen Seeds

This exciting coffeeshop backdrop of creative cannabis culture and consumption birthed a number of famous businesses that are still with us today, but few of them have the breadth of historical knowledge or the growing expertise possessed by the team at Royal Queen Seeds.

They owe their beginnings to the coffeshops, where they cut their teeth and learned to grow in Amsterdam, the heart and soul of the cannabis community. They were founded in the city during the height of the coffeeshop era and, to this day, operate a brick-and-mortar location in Amsterdam, deep in the historic downtown area. 

This living connection to the coffeeshop era helps Royal Queen Seeds stay true to their roots. They were there when iconic strains were bred and proliferated throughout the coffeeshop community, and they weren’t just passive observers either.

Royal Queen Seeds hosted fairs during the coffeeshop era to help popularize strains and evangelize the wonders of cannabis. Many of the seeds that they have available for purchase today owe their lineage to this era, which the team at RQS remembers quite fondly. 

“The Netherlands used to be the focal point of the cannabis movement. The world’s attention shifted there, and the industry flourished,” said Royal Queen Seeds founder, Boy Ramsahai. “Coffeeshops demanded the breeding and development of new stains, and people could freely enjoy smoking without issues.”

Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Although the focus of the cannabis industry has definitively shifted to the American side of the Atlantic these days, we can look back on the Dutch coffeeshop era as a true golden age for cannabis and one that deserves to be appreciated.

Luckily, groups like RQS maintain the history, culture, and strains of genetics that made the halcyon days truly special. “The seed that was planted still thrives today with Royal Queen seeds,” said Ramsahai.

Grow your own history with the Coffeeshop Classics Pack

To pay homage to the cannabis of eras past, Royal Queen Seeds are offering a special bundle of seeds made famous by the coffeeshop culture that raised them. The three strains included in the Coffeeshop Classics Pack, White Widow, Amnesia Haze, and Northern Light, all grew into the legends they are today in the dynamic coffeeshop scene.

Royal Queen has safeguarded these genetics over the years, meaning that when these seeds germinate you can be sure that you will be getting the exact same terpene profile that set Amsterdam buzzing back in the day. 

But breeders as savvy as RQS didn’t pick the three members of the Coffeeshop Classic Bundle only because they’re famous coffeeshop mainstays—no, these girls are sisters, who can team up to help you achieve a balanced buzz throughout the day.

Amnesia Haze, a citrusy, sativa-dominant strain offers a robust, cerebral high, perfect for a daytime smoke and pairing with, you guessed it, coffee. On the stem, Amnesia Haze buds feature flairs of burnt orange and plenty of frost. 

Once the morning glow of an Amnesia Haze smoke wears off, White Widow is waiting for you in the wings. This child of the Netherlands and mainstay of the European market produces dense, resin-packed buds with famous flecks of white trichomes, from which this strain derives its name.

Few strains developed such a famous reputation as White Widow in the coffeeshop scene, due to its surging, powerful high that relaxes the body and accelerates the mind. White Widow is an ideal “rally” smoke, a great way to enter into a good-vibes mode after work when it’s time to party.

And when it’s finally time to nod off with a nightcap, the final strain in the Coffeeshop Classics bundle, Northern Lights, is just the strain you want. Northern Lights will give you a deep, stoney feeling that will mellow out even the most chaotic of days.

Growing Northern Lights will result in buds with an eye-catching viridian base with deep, nearly-black purps. Like her sisters in the bundle, Northern Lights is also quite potent, so make sure you’re careful with this icon of the coffeeshop era.

The Coffeeshop Classics Bundle is just a small selection of the dozens of strains that Royal Queen Seeds have on offer. You can head to their website to explore all of their different options, read their blog, check out growing FAQs, read user reviews, and more. You can also follow them on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all the exciting deals and new products that RQS has in store. 

Availability subject to law.

Regions in southern France, such as Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur bordering the Mediterranean coast, provide suitable conditions for outdoor cannabis cultivation with long hours of daylight in the summer months. Short-flowering or autoflowering varieties such as Purple Bud and Skunk #1 can potentially thrive in the northern, wetter regions, including Centre-Val de Loire and Île-de-France.

These strains are some of your favourites, and we cannot wait to share them with you. Let’s delve in and learn more about them!

1. Sensi Amnesia XXL

Sensi Amnesia XXL has undeniably become a modern-day classic, celebrated globally amongst the cannabis community since its induction into our Research collection in 2021. Sensi Amnesia XXL is a testament to our dedication to providing top-quality genetics. Through a meticulous breeding program involving backcrossing and crossbreeding the original Amnesia with a robust and resilient ruderalis, we were able to develop Sensi Amnesia XXL.

With a classic sativa morphology and a longer flowering period, Sensi Amnesia XXL can reach towering heights and is known for producing a bountiful yield. Additionally, its autoflowering traits make it an ideal choice for French growers seeking a fruitful harvest. Whether you are a novice or an experienced grower, Sensi Amnesia XXL is a perfect weed strain for your garden.

Sensi Amnesia XXL has a terpene profile reminiscent of the tropics, with zesty citrus and grapefruit notes that will make your mouth water. You might also notice hints of earth on the exhale, which can be attributed to the ruderalis influence. Like a classic sativa, users have shared that they experience a boost in mental clarity, creativity, and a sense of uplifting euphoria. The calming effects of indica lineage can provide a relaxing body buzz for a more tranquil experience.

2. Sticky Orange XXL

Sticky Orange XXL is one of the most sought-after strains in our collection, thanks to its exotic terpene profile. It has become a favourite among our French customers and is a must-try for any cannabis connoisseur. This strain results from crossbreeding three Sensi Seeds strains, California Indica, Shiva Skunk, and Maple Leaf Indica, with the potent Gorilla Glue. This delightful strain is not only easy to grow but also promises XL yields throughout France.

The indica-dominant lineage is reflected in its compact size, quick flowering period, and impressive yield. However, its sativa genetics are evident in its flavour profile, adding a distinctively sweet touch. The indica morphology of Sticky Orange XXL is apparent in its tightly-spaced internodes, dense buds, and dark green foliage. The name “Sticky Orange” is fitting, as it boasts a multitude of vibrant orange pistils and a thick layer of trichomes.

The terpene profile of Sticky Orange XXL has an exotic sweetness, with hints of tangy citrus and freshly peeled mandarin. Meanwhile, robust earthy notes are also in the background, with subtle hints of spicy charas. After vaporising Sticky Orange XXL, users report an initial wave of tranquillity that spreads throughout the body and increases mental clarity. This feeling gradually dissipates into a long-lasting body stone that helps users unwind after a long day.

3. Purple Bud

Purple Bud is an exceptional indica-dominant hybrid that stands out from the rest due to its unique genetic makeup. It is a result of crossbreeding an Afghan-Jamaican variety with a double-Kush hybrid, making it highly coveted among cannabis enthusiasts. Its popularity in France has made it one of the most popular cultivars in the Sensi Seeds collection.

Its growth morphology is characterised by its bushy foliage, tight internodal spacing, and short posture. While it has the potential to grow slightly taller than other indica hybrids, it is still considered a relatively short plant. This weed strain is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its robust, resilient traits and thrives in continental climates.

With a flowering cycle that lasts up to 9 weeks, Purple Bud produces dense buds that are coated in a thick layer of trichomes. During the flowering stage, the plant develops an abundance of anthocyanins, resulting in vibrant purple hues that can be seen in both the buds and foliage; it really is impressive!

Growers have reported high levels of myrcene and caryophyllene in its terpene profile, which gives Purple Bud an earthy taste characterised by its Afghan lineage. Complementing these earthy notes are subtle hints of sandalwood and charas, which add to the overall experience. Like a classic indica, connoisseurs can expect a down-to-earth experience with a long-lasting full-body high.

4. Skunk #1

Many know Skunk #1 for its powerful appeal and intense aroma, often reminiscent of our favourite black and white critters. Our cultivation team meticulously crafted this hybrid strain using a combination of Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, and Afghan. Skunk #1 has been a crucial element in hybridisation and has played a significant role in developing several modern cultivars.

If you’re looking for a resilient and low-maintenance weed strain, Skunk #1 is an ideal choice. This variety leans heavily towards the indica side, featuring a compact structure with bushy foliage. You won’t have to wait long for the buds to appear, as Skunk #1 has a quick flowering period of 45 to 50 days. The resulting buds are densely packed with a plethora of resin glands.

This cultivar boasts a terpene profile characterised by an intense cheesy aroma accompanied by earthy undertones and subtle hints of spicy charas. It’s a well-balanced hybrid, offering users an uplifting experience that enhances creativity with a mild body buzz and is an excellent choice for daily activities.

5. Purple Skunk

In 2021, Sensi Seeds Research collection introduced Purple Skunk, a indica-dominant strain resulting from outcrossing Shiva Skunk, Skunk #1, and Hindu Kush Auto. Purple Skunk is a highly versatile and adaptable cannabis strain that can easily adjust to the fluctuating temperatures across France, making it an excellent choice for growers in the Centre-Val de Loire and Île-de-France regions. It that features a potent aroma and a dank terpene profile.

The plant’s high anthocyanin content creates mesmerising purple hues that can be seen in foliage and buds during flowering. For experienced growers seeking something unique, this strain offers several phenotypes. However, it’s also a low-maintenance strain, making it an excellent option for beginner growers.

Purple Skunk’s terpene profile is characterised by its rich, earthy aroma, complemented by subtle hints of spicy sandalwood and hashish, which enhance the overall experience. When consumed, Purple Skunk delivers a potent and long-lasting body high, inducing a sense of relaxation that is sure to please any cannabis enthusiast.

6. Super Skunk

Super Skunk was developed exclusively to enhance the potency and yield of Skunk #1. This was achieved by crossbreeding Skunk #1 with the highly potent Afghan #1. The potent cannabinoid traits inherited from Afghan #1 not only increased the potency of Super Skunk but also enriched its fragrance, lending it a more sophisticated aroma and a sweeter flavour profile. This makes it a popular choice among French cannabis enthusiasts.

This indica-dominant strain has a bushy structure and medium height, making it perfect for discreet and low-maintenance cultivation both indoors and outdoors. Like Skunk #1, it’s a robust and resilient hybrid that can withstand various environmental conditions, making it ideal for novice growers. It has a short flowering period and produces high yields of potent, dense buds.

The name of Super Skunk Feminized is derived from its powerful and pungent skunky aroma. But be warned, its pungent odour could pose problems for growers who prefer to keep a low profile. Super Skunk Feminized expresses loud notes of skunk with zesty citrus undertones complemented by subtle hints of sandalwood and musk. It typically has a high THC content, and many experienced users have reported a long-lasting, relaxing body high that soothes the muscles and relaxes the mind.

7. Big Bud

You thought we’d forget Big Bud? Absolutely not. This cultivar thrives in gardens across the French countryside and was meticulously crafted from the original Bud Bud with Skunk #1 and Northern Lights to enhance its flavour and yield. Especially in France, it has been a popular choice among Sensi Seeds fans for many years.

Big Bud is a compact cultivar when grown indoors but can reach extraordinary heights when cultivated outdoors in open soil. It features a slender and thin appearance, with a columnar structure, large fan leaves, and ample internodal spacing. The buds are dense and form around a large cola with a few well-developed lateral branches that often require support during the flowering period.

The terpene profile features prominent citrus notes, complemented by spicy and earthy undertones. The delicious, sweet and fruity scent perfectly matches its flavour, which is reminiscent of treacle. Some claim to experience a boost in mental clarity before transitioning into a long-lasting body stone. This can result in deep relaxation that soothes the muscles and leaves users couch-locked. For evenings when you want to unwind, Big Bud may be just the weed strain for you!

The best of France?

France’s cannabis community is thriving, and a growing number of people are advocating for cannabis reform due to its potential economic and medical advantages. As legalisation continues to gain momentum worldwide, French cannabis connoisseurs can expect access to a broader variety of weed strains, and at Sensi Seeds, we stand with them in support. Thank you, France!

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, cannabis has been listed as a Class B drug and carries penalties for those caught using, possessing, selling, or cultivating. Despite these strict laws, the cannabis scene in the UK continues to thrive. Many advocacy groups are pushing for cannabis law reform and help raise awareness nationwide about the benefits of cannabis and the need for change.

The summers in the UK are often short and humid, so there is a high demand for quick-flowering and mould-resistant properties within cannabis genetics. This is why Sensi Seeds specialises in developing robust and resilient strains, particularly popular among outdoor growers in the UK. However, those who cultivate indoors have greater flexibility regarding genetic choices, and using artificial lighting has led to a surge in high-quality products across the UK market.

And did you know? “Skunk” has become a catch-all term for potent weed strains, and British cannabis consumers often refer to strains as “flavours”. Knowing those little fun-facts, let’s check out seven of the UK’s favourites!

1. Stardawg

This sativa-dominant hybrid originated in the Bay Area of Northern California before crossing the Atlantic into the gardens of British cannabis enthusiasts. This weed strain has dominated the market for decades, and with an often limited market, if you are a seasoned smoker, you will have had your fair share of this robust cultivar.

Stardawg is a hybrid created from a meticulous cross between the loud, diesel-heavy Chemdawg 4 and the robust Tres Dawg. Its sativa lineage can cause this cultivar to reach medium heights, but many UK growers utilise training techniques such as LST, SOG, and SCROG to keep the plants compact. During flowering, Stardawg boasts deep green foliage complemented by deep orange pistils and tightly packed, resin-coated buds.

Stardawg flaunts a rich terpene profile that’s heavy in caryophyllene. It has a distinct musky aroma with a pungent, gassy aroma accompanied by loud notes of fresh pine, hashish and diesel. Stardawg is known for its uplifting cerebral high that stimulates the mind while enhancing motivation and concentration.

2. Blueberry Zkittlez

The United Kingdom has been dramatically influenced by Californian genetics, and genetics offering sweet fruity flavours have significantly increased in popularity. One such weed strain that has gained recognition among the cannabis community is Blueberry Zkittlez. Developed as part of our Sensi Seeds Research program by meticulous crossbreeding Blueberry, NL#5, Skunk Kush and Durban, it has been particularly favoured for its exceptional taste and straightforward cultivation process.

This cultivar is incredibly robust and resilient regarding mould development and pests. Throughout the foliage and buds during flowering, growers can expect to see stunning deep purple and blue hues thanks to the high concentrations of anthocyanins.

The terpene profile of Blueberry Zkittlez is incredibly vibrant. The fruity aroma of freshly harvested blueberries and grapefruit complements the delicate hints of pineapple and citrus mojito. Its tropical flavour is simply delightful. Blueberry Zkittlez delivers a well-rounded high that is perfectly balanced. It provides an uplifting, cerebral high with increased mental relaxation before dissipating into a soothing body buzz.

3. Lemon Haze

Lemon Hazes’ popularity grew throughout the early 2000s, earning its name as one of the UK’s most prolific weed strains. It is a potent, flavourful, sativa-dominant cultivar developed by crossing Lemon Skunk with Silver Haze. Its predominantly sativa morphology produces a tall, elegant plant with noticeable internodal gaps. It thrives in warm climates, producing conically shaped buds with olive-green foliage and amber pistils.

Like the classic Haze strain, growers must be prepared for a more extended flowering period, which can be challenging for some. However, Lemon Haze is known for its resilience against disease, making it a reliable choice for growers. For growers in the UK, utilising training techniques can help to maintain Lemon Haze’s manageable size and compact structure.

Popularised for its zesty characteristics, Lemon Haze has an unmatched flavour profile and a remarkable terpene composition. As you can expect, it has a refreshing aroma of freshly squeezed lemons and sherbert, leaving a succulently sweet aftertaste that lingers on your palette. In the foreground of the flavour profile are subtle hints of spicy charas and musky earth. The cerebral effects enhance focus and productivity while keeping users uplifted, euphoric and energetic.

4. Northern Lights

Northern Lights was named after the Aurora Borealis and has become the foundation for many classic hybrids. Its origins can be traced back to Washington, USA, where it was developed by an illusive breeder called “the Indian”. Neville then brought clones to the Netherlands, where Sensi Seeds enhanced its Afghan and Thai traits to create the Northern Lights we know today.

This indica-dominant hybrid is easy to grow and low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginners. Growers can expect an indica morphology with dense bud structures and a single apical cola from this powerhouse. It is a fast-flowering, compact cultivar with resilience against pests and unfavourable climates, making it an ideal weed strain in the UK.

The fragrance of this cultivar is quite strong, with a moist, earthy scent accompanied by hints of zesty citrus and spicy charas undertones from its Afghani heritage. Northern Lights can produce a profoundly calming high that eases the body’s muscles while keeping the users mind uplifted and at ease. However, it can be highly sedative if taken in high doses.

5. Cheese

Do you recall that cheesy, pungent cannabis variety that was popular during the 90s? That was Cheese, a Skunk #1 phenotype that had a distinctive and highly pungent aroma. Cheese significantly impacted the cultivation community in the UK during the early 90s and has been a favourite ever since.

Cheese typically exhibits the characteristics of an indica. It has a compact and stocky appearance, with broad dark green leaves and swollen, dense buds. Although this cultivar thrives in warm Mediterranean climates, it can withstand temperature fluctuations and is the perfect addition for indoor and outdoor gardens.

Due to its impressive ancestry, it is a sturdy and resilient strain with dense foliage, making it an ideal candidate for pruning and training techniques. It is also a highly resinous cultivar and excellent for hash makers! However, it should be noted that Cheese is a highly potent weed strain to cultivate.

Cheese is widely known for its distinctly pungent terpene profile, which gives off strong scents of musk and skunk, with an aroma reminiscent of fresh cheddar. This cultivar is notorious for its potent aroma, so be prepared! It’s a well-balanced hybrid with traits of both indica and sativa. The high begins with a cerebral buzz that enhances creativity and concentration before transitioning into a calming, soothing effect on the body and mind. It offers the best of both worlds.

6. Purple Cookie Kush

Purple Cookie Kush was developed by crossbreeding Purple Kush with Girl Scout Cookies, resulting in a remarkable indica-dominant strain with a loud terpene profile that’s renowned for potency. Since introducing this powerhouse into our catalogue, we see it favoured among our UK customers.

The structure of Purple Cookie Kush is reminiscent of its parent strain, Girl Scout Cookies, with a compact, bushy appearance and dense foliage. The plant features elongated lateral branches with minimal internodal spacing. Once harvested, growers can expect to see a dense and compact bud structure adorned with an abundance of fiery orange pistils and a thick coating of trichomes.

The terpene profile is outrageously loud, featuring an aroma of freshly picked berries with tangy citrus that complement subtle hints of creamy gelato, charas, and moist earth. This strain provides a well-balanced and rounded high, increasing mental relaxation while producing a cheerful and soothing body buzz. Purple Cookie Kush could be the perfect strain if you’re looking for something to enhance your social functions or need a little pick-me-up throughout the day.

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7. Sticky Orange XXL

Launched as part of the Sensi Seeds collection in 2023, Sticky Orange XXL has been the year’s best-seller, and we love seeing it cultivated across the United Kingdom. It’s an indica-dominant hybrid with a delightfully sweet fragrance and powerful effects. Its development involved outcrossing California Indica with Shiva Skunk, Gorilla Glue, and Maple Leaf Indica, resulting in a resilient and robust cultivar that exhibits common indica-like characteristics.

The buds are characterised by their olive-green colour, conical shape, covered in a frosting of trichomes and vibrant orange pistils. Sticky Orange XXL is hard to cultivate outdoors in the UK as it prefers a Mediterranean climate. However, it is an ideal weed strain for indoor cultivation with a guaranteed XL harvest.

Sticky Orange XXL produces an uplifting, cerebral high that can enhance mental clarity and creativity before transitioning into a soothing, long-lasting full-body stone. It has a high concentration of limonene, and its flavour profile is a delightful blend of tangy lemon and exotic tropical fruits with subtle hints of spicy undertones.

The best of Britain?

Regrettably, the cultivation and possession of weed are prohibited in the United Kingdom and directly impacts the range and quality of cannabis genetics available to consumers. However, despite stringent regulations, the UK cannabis scene is thriving, and many people now support cannabis reform due to its potential economic and medicinal benefits. With worldwide legalisation on the rise, it is hoped that more genetic variations will become more widely accessible for our British enthusiasts!

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