Black Widow Strain

Black Widow Strain: The Original White Widow Under Its Mr. Nice Name

The Black Widow strain is the name breeder Shantibaba gave his original White Widow genetics when he left Green House Seed Company and took his plants to Mr. Nice Seedbank. It's a Brazilian sativa crossed with a South Indian indica, it smells fruity and skunky over wood and earth, and it delivers a buzzy, happy head high that settles into a relaxed, hungry body. It belongs in the frosty, old-school corner of our THCA flower collection.

The name confuses people, because "White Widow" never went away — Green House and dozens of other seed banks kept selling their own versions. So Black Widow isn't a dark-colored White Widow or a new cross; it's the original line under a different label, and the White Widow on most menus today is a parallel line. Below: how the two are related, where sources disagree, how strong it is, how the high unfolds, how to use it, how to grow it, and how to judge a bag.

Black Widow Strain Genetics & Lineage

• Type: Hybrid. Leafly calls it a balanced hybrid; Female Seeds lists its version at 60% sativa and Leafwell at 65% sativa; AllBud files it under sativa. Its reported effects — a buzzy head high with a relaxed body — sit right in the middle.
• Ancestry: A Brazilian sativa × a South Indian indica — the same landrace cross credited to White Widow. Leafly words it as South American × South Indian sativa.
• Breeder: Shantibaba (Scott Blakey), who co-founded Green House Seed Company with Arjan Roskam in 1994 and later founded Mr. Nice Seedbank with Howard Marks, per Wikipedia.
• THC: Leafly lists 18%; Leafwell 18–20%; AllBud 24%. Mr. Nice doesn't publish a number.
• CBD and minors: CBD is low — Leafwell lists 0.35–0.65%. Leafly lists about 1% CBG.
• Aliases: Leafly lists the abbreviation "Blw." Sellers often market it as "the original White Widow."

Black Widow vs White Widow: same plant or not?

Here's the story most sources agree on. Shantibaba developed White Widow while working at Green House in the 1990s, and it won the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup. After a falling-out with Roskam, he left and teamed up with Howard Marks to found Mr. Nice, bringing his mother and father plants with him. With help from his longtime breeding partner Neville Schoenmakers, he renamed his best-known strains — White Widow became Black Widow, White Rhino became Medicine Man — "to distinguish the original genetics from other companies claiming to breed it," in Wikipedia's words.

Where sources differ is in how they describe the relationship:

• The same line, renamed: Wikipedia calls Black Widow "the renamed original white widow." SeedFinder goes a step further and calls Mr. Nice's Black Widow the "original parent of White Widow."
• A phenotype or daughter: PAX describes it as a White Widow phenotype — same genetics, different physical expression. Leafwell calls it a "daughter strain."
• A sibling: AllBud says it isn't a descendant of White Widow at all, but a sibling or cousin from the same parents.

The practical takeaway: Black Widow and White Widow share the same Brazilian × South Indian roots and the same originator. But Green House kept selling White Widow after the split, and today almost every seed bank has its own version, so the White Widow in a jar and Mr. Nice's Black Widow have been bred apart for decades. Treat them as close relatives with a shared origin — not as interchangeable labels.

The other Black Widows

The name isn't protected, so you'll see several versions. Female Seeds sells a feminized Black Widow whose family tree runs back through Mr. Nice's line. Nirvana sells a Black Widow described as a White Widow reverse cross. SeedFinder also lists a "Black Widdow" from Growers Choice. And according to SeedFinder, Mr. Nice's own Black Widow has never been released as feminized seed — so a "feminized Mr. Nice Black Widow" is a red flag.

Black Widow Terpene Profile

Leafly lists terpinolene as Black Widow's dominant terpene, followed by ocimene and limonene. PAX's lab-tested Oregon cut was also terpinolene-first — "crazy high," at times six to seven times the other terpenes — followed by myrcene, limonene and linalool. Leafwell adds pinene. That terpinolene lead is unusual for an indica-sativa landrace cross and helps explain the bright, buzzy start to the high.

• Terpinolene: Fruity, floral and lightly piney — the top note in Black Widow and the terpene most tied to its buzzy, upbeat opening.
• Ocimene: Sweet and herbal with a faint mint edge; Leafly ranks it second.
• Limonene: The citrus brightness PAX describes, and part of the happy mood lift.
• Myrcene: Earthy and musky; it builds the relaxed, heavier floor later in the session.

The skunky, ammonia-sharp edge isn't a single terpene — it's the overall chemistry of an old-school landrace cross, and it's one way to tell a real Black Widow from a sweet modern hybrid using the name.

Appearance

Despite the name, Black Widow isn't dark. The buds are bright green, conical and slightly tapered, threaded with orange pistils and buried under the same snow-white trichome coat that made White Widow famous. PAX describes "a crystally, resin-heavy flower, with huge colas" and a "bright green look" with "orangish hairs"; Leafwell notes large, orange-haired buds with heavy trichome coverage. SeedFinder's growers describe three Mr. Nice phenotypes, from long and stretchy to short and compact, so bud density varies by cut.

Aroma and Flavor

Open a jar and the first hit is fruity and skunky — Leafly's description — with wood and earth underneath. Break a bud and a sharp, chemical, almost ammonia edge comes forward; Leafly's users list ammonia, woody and earthy as its top flavors, and AllBud adds chemical, nutty and sweet. The inhale is bright, fruity and floral (PAX calls it "bright citrus and bright floral"); the exhale is woody, earthy and a little spicy. Female Seeds describes its version as spicy and herbal with dense smoke. It is not a candy strain — think old Amsterdam coffeeshop, not dessert.

Recreational Effects

Leafly describes a "buzzy head high" accompanied by relaxing effects, and calls the overall effect mostly calming. On Leafly, with nearly 400 reviews, the most-reported effects are:

• Relaxed: the headline effect — a calm body that deepens as you go.
• Hungry: a real appetite kick; AllBud calls it a strong increase.
• Happy: an easy mood lift up front.
• Euphoric and focused: AllBud's top tags, especially in the first stretch.

How the high unfolds: onset, peak and duration

• First 5–10 minutes: a buzzy, bright head change — the terpinolene side showing up.
• 15–60 minutes: the peak — happy and talkative, with the body loosening underneath.
• 1–3 hours: a relaxed, hungry settle. Leafwell notes many users prefer it at night because the head high can be intense.

It's potent for an older strain — Leafly and AllBud both say it suits people with some tolerance — so pace yourself through the first half hour.

→ Experience it yourself — shop Diesel Hemp's THCA Flower

How Strong Is Black Widow?

Black Widow is moderately strong to strong, and stronger than its age suggests. The numbers by source:

• Leafly: 18% THC, about 1% CBG.
• Leafwell: 18–20%, sometimes above 20%.
• AllBud: 24%, noting some tests top that.

Mr. Nice and Zamnesia don't publish a THC figure — Zamnesia simply rates the effect "strong." Both Leafly and AllBud describe it as better suited to experienced users, and AllBud warns its intensity can overwhelm beginners. Modern dessert strains often test higher on paper, but a terpinolene-heavy landrace cross can feel sharper than its percentage. On awards: the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup win belongs to the original White Widow, which SeedFinder's Black Widow listing claims as its own history, and SeedFinder records a 1st place for Mr. Nice's Black Widow at the 2008 Highlife Cup (Hydro, coffeeshops category).

THCA flower is labeled differently from dispensary flower: the lab reports THCA, which converts to THC when heated, plus a small amount of delta-9 THC. When you compare a batch of Black Widow against the 18–24% range above, compare total THC on the COA, not the headline number — our guide on how to read a THCA flower COA walks through the math.

Black Widow vs Similar Strains

• vs White Widow: same originator and the same Brazilian × South Indian roots. Most White Widow sold today is a parallel line bred separately since the 1990s, usually described as earthy and peppery; Black Widow cuts are more often terpinolene-led, fruity and skunky.
• vs White Rhino: a White Widow × Afghan indica from the same Green House era — heavier, earthier and sleepier. Shantibaba renamed his version Medicine Man at Mr. Nice.
• vs Critical Mass: another Mr. Nice classic, Afghani × Skunk #1 — a heavier, bigger-yielding indica with a calmer, sleepier finish.
• vs Super Silver Haze: the Shantibaba–Neville haze line — more energetic and cerebral, with less body.
• vs Black Ice and Berry White: modern White Widow crosses. Black Ice is darker and more sedating; Berry White adds blueberry sweetness.
• vs Dutch Treat and Jack Herer: other terpinolene-led classics from the same Amsterdam conversation — brighter and more daytime than Black Widow.
• vs Mule Fuel: a different flavor world — gas and earth instead of fruit and skunk — but a similar relaxed, evening finish. Our closest in-stock match on the body, not the nose.

Who Black Widow Is (and Isn't) For

Good fit: fans of old-school Dutch genetics, people chasing the original White Widow experience, and anyone who wants a happy, buzzy high that winds into a relaxed, hungry evening.

Poor fit: beginners, anyone prone to THC anxiety, or someone after sweet dessert flavors. For a brighter, fruit-forward daytime option on our shelf, try Dayglow Mousse or Straw Gua Mintz.

How to Use Black Widow THCA Flower — and How Much

THCA has to be heated to do anything. Raw, it isn't intoxicating; heat converts it to THC (decarboxylation), which is why the method matters as much as the strain.

• Smoking (joint, pipe, bong): the fastest onset. Take one or two small hits, then wait 10–15 minutes before deciding on more.
• Dry-herb vaporizer: the best way to taste the fruity terpinolene top note. Around 350–375°F keeps the citrus and floral side; 390–410°F brings out the wood, skunk and body weight.
• Pre-rolls: the no-prep option — see our THCA pre-rolls.
• Homemade edibles: decarb the flower first. Edibles take 30–120 minutes to kick in and last far longer, so start low and wait the full two hours.

How much? New or occasional users: one small puff, then wait 15–30 minutes — reviewers consistently say it's stronger than expected. Regular users usually find two or three hits delivers the full arc. You can always add more; you can't take it back.

Medicinal Benefits

These are uses consumers report on Leafly and AllBud, not established clinical outcomes. Individual response varies with dose, tolerance and chemotype.

• Stress: the most-cited reason in Leafly reviews (about 30%).
• Anxiety: about 24% of Leafly reviewers — though AllBud and some reviewers report paranoia or panic at high doses, so go low.
• Pain: about 22% of Leafly reviewers; Leafly's description also mentions muscle spasms.
• Appetite: "hungry" is one of its top three effects, and AllBud suggests it for low appetite.

For a plain-language primer on how terpenes are thought to shape these effects, see Project CBD on terpenes. Nothing here is medical advice, and nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you take prescription medication or have a health condition, talk to your doctor before using any cannabis product.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Dry eyes and dry mouth — Leafly's two most-reported negatives.
• Dizziness — third on Leafly's list, usually from overdoing it.
• Anxiety, paranoia or headaches — less common, per AllBud, but more likely at high doses or low tolerance.

Is Black Widow good for sleep? It can help later in the session once the body settles, and some users save it for night — but the opening is buzzy, so it's not a fast knockout. Don't drive after using it, and talk to your doctor first if you take prescription medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a heart condition.

Is Black Widow Top Shelf? How to Judge a Good Bag

• Ask where the cut came from. A Mr. Nice line or a documented clone has a story; "Black Widow" on a generic jar may be any White Widow relative.
• A current third-party COA naming the lab, with THCA, delta-9 and total THC. Ours are on the lab results page.
• Fruit and skunk, not candy. A real Black Widow smells fruity, woody and a little chemical. Sugary, dessert-sweet flower is probably a modern hybrid wearing the name.
• Heavy frost on bright green buds — the white trichome coat is the family signature.
• A proper cure — a hay or grass smell means it was rushed.

Growing Black Widow

Black Widow has a reputation as a forgiving, resin-heavy plant — Zamnesia rates the Mr. Nice regular seeds easy — but it's slower than modern hybrids.

• Flowering: about 70 days per SeedFinder (8–10 weeks; Mr. Nice says 10 for full resin). Zamnesia lists 9–10 weeks; Female Seeds' version 8–9.
• Yield: 350–450 g/m² indoors and 300–400 g per plant outdoors, per Mr. Nice's figures on SeedFinder and Zamnesia.
• Height and phenotypes: Leafwell lists 30–60 inches. SeedFinder describes #1 as long and stretched, #2 short and compact, and #3 short but stretchy.
• Climate: Leafwell recommends 65–75°F with low humidity. Outdoors, harvest from late September to early October in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Seeds: Mr. Nice sells regular seeds only. Female Seeds and others sell feminized "Black Widow" lines.

Is Black Widow THCA Flower Legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is federally legal when it contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis — see the USDA hemp program. THCA flower is sold under that rule. State laws differ and are changing, so check your state before you order. And whatever the label says, THCA flower will show up on a drug test — heated, it is THC.

Shop Premium Flower at Diesel Hemp

• Mule Fuel THCA Flower — our relaxed, indica-leaning gas strain — the closest match to Black Widow's evening body.
• THCA Flower — the full lineup, grown in Colorado by Diesel Hemp and partner farms.
• THCA Pre-Rolls — the same flower, pre-rolled.
• THCA Small Buds — same genetics, smaller nugs, better price per gram.
• What THCA flower actually is — the encyclopedia explainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Widow the same as White Widow?

Not exactly. Black Widow is the name Shantibaba gave his original White Widow genetics when he moved to Mr. Nice Seedbank, so they share an origin and the same Brazilian × South Indian roots. But Green House and other seed banks kept selling White Widow, and those lines have been bred separately since the 1990s — so treat them as close relatives, not identical strains.

Is Black Widow indica or sativa?

It's a hybrid. Leafly calls it balanced, while Female Seeds and Leafwell list it at 60–65% sativa. The high starts buzzy and heady, then settles into a relaxed body.

Who bred Black Widow?

Shantibaba (Scott Blakey), who developed White Widow at Green House Seed Company and renamed his original line Black Widow after founding Mr. Nice Seedbank with Howard Marks.

Why is it called Black Widow?

To separate Shantibaba's original White Widow genetics from the many other White Widows on the market after he left Green House. It has nothing to do with the buds' color — they're bright green and frosty.

How strong is Black Widow?

Leafly lists 18% THC, Leafwell 18–20% and AllBud 24%. Reviewers say it's potent for an older strain and better for experienced users, so start with one small puff.

What does Black Widow taste like?

Fruity and skunky up front, with wood, earth and a sharp, chemical or ammonia-like edge. Some cuts read brighter — citrus and floral — from the terpinolene.

What are Black Widow's effects?

Leafly's top reported effects are relaxed, hungry and happy, with a buzzy head high at the start. AllBud adds euphoria and focus.

What terpenes are in Black Widow?

Terpinolene leads, per Leafly and PAX, followed by ocimene and limonene; some cuts also show myrcene, linalool and pinene.

Is Black Widow good for anxiety?

It's mixed. About 24% of Leafly reviewers say it helps with anxiety, but AllBud and some users report paranoia or panic at high doses. Low doses are the safer approach.

Is Black Widow good for sleep?

Sometimes, later in the session. The body gets relaxed and some users prefer it at night, but the opening is buzzy rather than sedating.

How long does Black Widow take to flower?

About 8–10 weeks indoors — SeedFinder lists around 70 days for Mr. Nice's line — with outdoor harvests from late September to early October.

Are there feminized Black Widow seeds?

Not from Mr. Nice — SeedFinder says its Black Widow has never been released feminized. Female Seeds and other breeders sell their own feminized Black Widow lines.

Where can I buy Black Widow THCA flower online?

Black Widow isn't in the Diesel Hemp shop right now. The closest match on the relaxed evening body is Mule Fuel THCA Flower — an indica-leaning GMO Cookies × Lurch with earthy gas and pepper, from $65, third-party lab tested, with free shipping over $75. It won't give you the fruity terpinolene nose; for the brighter, buzzier side, try Dayglow Mousse THCA Flower, from $29.

Related Strains

• White Widow — the famous name Black Widow's genetics originally sold under.
• White Rhino — a White Widow × Afghan indica from the same Green House era.
• Critical Mass — another Shantibaba-credited Mr. Nice classic.
• Super Silver Haze — the Shantibaba–Neville haze line.
• Black Ice — a darker, heavier White Widow cross.
• Berry White — a sweet, berry-forward White Widow cross.
• Dutch Treat — a terpinolene-led Amsterdam-style classic.
• Jack Herer — another terpinolene-forward legend.
• Mule Fuel — our closest in-stock match on a relaxed evening body.
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