The Black (Indica)

A strain that was listed as one of the Top 10 Strains of 2008 by the High Times, The Black is a mostly-Indica hybrid whose name comes from the way in which it's leaves turn a real dark purple, and in some cases black, as plants reach maturity.

BC Bud Depot, the inventor of this strain, does not list what specifically went into the creation of this hybrid but they do list the strain as only ten percent Sativa (thus mostly Indica). They state that the Indica has been around since the late 1980s on Vancouver Island and in California. The Black is a potent classical Indica, a knockout strain that should be regulated for night time use.

Not a creeper, this strain settles into the body and begins to soothe aches and pains of any severity almost instantaneously. These narcotic-like effects can cause users to quickly drift off into a deep slumber, great for treating insomnia. It may also help with glaucoma, inflammation and migraines.

For Deep Ellum Seed Co., a Colorado-based breeder which originally started in Texas, The Black is its flagship strain. The Black is a cross of indigenous Mexican strains from Michoacán and Oaxaca mixed with Afghan and Green Vietnamese, which was created by breeder Dr. Dank in 2005.

According to the breeder, a deal was made with a Canadian seed bank that later claimed The Black as its own. While purple phenos had been bred out by Deep Ellum earlier on during the development phase, the backcrosses from stabilizing this strain caused the trait to re-emerge and ultimately embraced by the original creators. The dark foliage and underground history of all the parents led to the name. According to the Canadian seed bank BC Bud Depot, The Black has a unique, sweet flavor profile.