Strain Review: Maui Waui and Blue Ribbon

Maui Waui

Origin & Genetics

This sativa-dominant strain originated in Maui and has been grown for close to 20 years on the mainland in Hawaii. Since then, Maui Waui has been in the hands of a select few throughout the state of California. Although there are several variations out there, the effects of this specific phenotype feel as pure as its genetics have been maintained.

Unlike many other sativa-dominant strains, Maui Waui is incredibly light and clear, without the common side effects associated with other sativas, such as an increased heart rate or decreased attention span. CJ’s Maui tests between 13% and 14% THC and he recommends it for beginners who want to remain sharp and in touch with all of their senses throughout the day.

Physical Description

The buds of Maui Waui are light-green with bright-orange pistils covering its large colas of moderate density. The aroma is a strong, lemony-citrus scent with hints of pine. CJ says the smell reminds him of sitting on a porch overlooking the ocean, with the crisp sea breeze blowing its tropical scents gently across his face.

Medicinal Uses

Maui Waui is a great daytime medicine that doesn’t bog down your senses. The effects are great for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, stress and listlessness. Because it is considered a light sativa, patients can be confident they won’t experience any uncomfortable side effects during use. Maui Waui may also help relieve minor to moderate pain associated with spontaneous headaches and nausea.

Growing Patterns

If you’re thinking about growing this strain, make sure you plan ahead! Maui Waui is known for its massive stature and height, so it is commonly grown outdoors, where there is no limit to how tall it can grow. CJ describes it as “a vigorous grower in the vegetative stage that takes off like she’s on a mission during her stretch in flower.”

If grown indoors, when possible it may be best to cut Maui’s vegetative stage short and force it to flower long before it has reached its full height. Maui does best in somewhat tropical climates, similar to its original home in Hawaii. It is an amazingly resilient plant, resistant to a lot of the pests and diseases that commonly take out other varieties.

Because the colas tend to get large, bud rot can occur, so it is important to keep airflow constant. Some growers will even top their Maui plants to help produce multiple smaller colas, as opposed to one large chute that may be more susceptible to developing bud rot.

Blue Ribbon

Origin & Genetics

This indica-dominant strain packs a serious punch. A cross between a true blueberry male and OG Kush in the Sierra foothills, CJ’s specific phenotype tests between 24 and 26% THC on average. There are several different phenotypes out there that were bred with the same parents, but the THC concentration is not as strong. These alternative phenotypes are specifically bred for high concentrations of cannabidiol, or CBD, to help patients suffering from severe pain.

Physical Description

The buds of CJ’s Blue Ribbon are a lush, dark-green color and covered in sticky, sparkling trichomes. CJ describes them as reminiscent of the snowy peaks of the Sierras. The rock-hard density of Blue Ribbon’s flowers carries that classic aroma of blueberry sweetness up-front, following through with earthy undertones and leading to an ultimately spicy finish. If this strain is exposed to unusually cold temperatures during cultivation, a blue-violet ribbon may appear to be spun around the buds of this medicine.

Medicinal Uses

Similar to other powerful indicas, Blue Ribbon excels in the areas of pain reduction, sleep aid and stress relief. For those suffering from anxiety and depression, Blue Ribbon may help alleviate these negative symptoms by producing a calm sense of euphoria. Keep in mind this strain is considered a heavy indica, so it is best used in moderation, especially for newer patients.

Growing Patterns

This strain has an average-sized stature and is suitable to grow both indoors and out. CJ prefers to grow Blue Ribbon indoors in a controlled environment to take advantage of all of its finest attributes, including bud density, trichome production and strong, fruity flavors and aromas. This strain is not known for producing heavy yields, but when grown correctly, Blue Ribbon may weigh more than your average, indica-dominant strain and most definitely makes up for any lost weight with its uniquely superior quality.

For those interested in trying out these strains, they are popular in collectives around the Laguna Beach, California area.