Big Bud is, without even the slightest sliver of a doubt, one of the most iconic weed strains of all time. A strain that dominated world markets for more than two decades and one that truly did change the landscape of cannabis genetics.

What are the key factors that the vast majority of growers (both hobby and commercial) consider when selecting strains to grow?

  • Potency
  • Bag appeal
  • Ease of cultivation and maintenance
  • Genetic stability and consistency
  • But, most of all - Yield potential

Big Bud is the real OG of the "super strains" that meet these criteria and more. Sure, the 20% - 22% THC might not seem as impressive as some of the newer strains on the market, but for its time, it's an absolute banger. And let's be honest, not every single bud needs to blow your head off after two tokes. But the yield? Well, she ain't called Big Bud for nothing.

So, let's see where Big Bud came from, how this strain became such a momentous success, and why it continues to be considered by many as one of the top 10 strains of all time.

Big Bud strain info, history and genetics

They say legends breed legends. Well, the proof is most certainly in the pudding here.

Big Bud is a cross of three of the most highly regarded classic weed strains  – Afghan, Northern Lights, and Skunk #1. These genetics make Big Bud a heavily indica-dominant strain, with only 15% contributed from sativa genetics and a whopping 85% from the indica side of the spectrum.

Hitting the Amsterdam coffee shop bud shelves in 1988 and then migrating across the pond to Nor Cal and British Colombia by 1989, the strain really did change the game. A quick Google search containing the words "What did weed look like in the late 1980s" will show you exactly why.

Back then, the herb that most of us know and love today was still relatively primitive in terms of genetics. Sure, there were already some highly regarded strains on the market, but in general, most weed looked like, well, "weed."

Big Bud changed all of that. In much the same way that the '64 Ford Mustang did for car lovers and music by the Beatles transformed what we thought was possible when it came to popular culture (both also of mid-60s vintage), Big Bud gave us all a little peek into how far cannabis genetics could go.

And go, they did!

Big Bud has been used as a parent plant to create a veritable sh**ton of legendary strains. Some of the ridiculously long list of highly respected strains created using Big Bud as a breeding parent include:

  • Blueberry
  • Bubble Gum
  • Granddaddy Purple
  • Critical Mass
  • The list goes on - and on - and on!

As you can imagine, when it comes to award ceremonies and prestigious events, Big Bud has more than a handful to show off about. Of course, she took out the overall winner of the 1989 High Times Cannabis Cup, along with a couple of other notable awards, but that was only the beginning.

Awards aside, Big Bud had another more crucial impact on the weed community - shattering yield records like they were nothing. Big Bud was the first strain to produce consistently huge yields, the type we have come to expect today. But in the late 1980s, the yields that Big Bud is capable of were simply unheard of.

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What are the effects of Big Bud strain?

Being an 85% indica dominant strain, the effects definitely lean towards the more relaxing side. Not a train wreck, sit on the couch, and zombie out for hours kind of strain, Big Bud is instead a blend of both physical and mental effects.

The sprinkling of sativa genetics helps even everything out just enough, and the high tends to begin with a slightly heady and euphoric initial burst that is quickly overtaken by more of a body-centred sensation. The effects last for around 3 hours (when smoked or vaped), with the most intense effects lasting for the first 90  minutes and then tapering off beautifully.

Big Bud also made huge waves in the medicinal scene as soon as she arrived on the market. The strain has been used to combat anything from anxiety and insomnia to chronic pain, migraines, PMS and even depression.

The mid-range THC percentage is actually great for most of us looking to chill, wind down, and relax after a long day. When compared with the most potent strains that can top out at 30% THC (or even more), the more mellow effects of Big Bud make it an incredibly pleasant smoking experience.

What does Big Bud taste and smell like?

Even as the buds grow, the punchy sweetness with musky undertones is obvious, especially after the 4th week of flower. The sugariness mostly comes in the form of red grapes, although there are other berry notes (mostly a slight cherry and strawberry burst). Along with that sweet smell, there are also woody and earthy notes rounding things out.

This all makes sense looking at her genetic lineage. With that much Skunk #1 in the mix, it would be understandable if you thought she might just stink to high hell. And she does, just maybe not in the way you’d expect.

The sweetness and musk of Big Bud make for a super well balanced and extremely pleasant aroma. The earthy and woody notes are light, but still add a bit of complexity to the overall scent. All in all, Big Bud smells great and tastes even better, especially when vaped.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 16%-19%
Flowering Time 8-10 Weeks
Outdoor harvest Early October
Yield 500-600gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Indica Dominant
Height Tall: 180cm-220cm
Difficulty Easy
CBD Content <1%
Climate Temperate, Warm
Medical Conditions Insomnia, Pain, Stress
Seed Type Regular, Feminized
Genetics Afghani x Northern Lights x Skunk
Effects Calming, Relaxing
Taste Skunky, Spicy, Sweet
Terpene Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Myrcene, Pinene

How to grow Big Bud strain

The first thing to keep front of mind is just how huge the buds are going to be. Planning is imperative, and you'll almost certainly need to use some sort of support or trellising to stop your plants from falling over in the last few weeks before harvest.

Doing well both in both indoor and outdoor grow settings, Big Bud is a resilient strain that can take some pretty serious abuse and still deliver staggering results. But, to get the most out of her, you will need to implement effective topping techniques and stay on top of her training.

You also want to make sure that the humidity doesn't get crazy, especially in late flower. The massive, dense buds just love to hold onto moisture, so airing out the grow space regularly is important. If you are growing outdoors, you are somewhat at the mercy of the elements, but you can still take precautions like using a greenhouse to control humidity levels and protect from adverse weather.

Proper feeding and nutrient management are also crucial. Being such a heavy yielder, Big Bud loves her nutrients and can handle pretty high levels of them. Just make sure to keep an eye on your plants' overall health and adjust accordingly.

That all said, Big Bud is still a great option for newer growers. She responds really well to most training methods and does particularly well under a scrog net. Her hardy genetics mean that she can take quite a beating without it affecting end results too much. Just give her a temp range of 22 to 28C (that's 72 to 82F) and a constant humidity that starts around the 60% and ends closer to 45% for the final weeks, and you'll be all set to grow some huge, top-shelf buds.

Big Bud FAQs

Does Big Bud smell?

Yep, and it smells great! Big Bud has a sweet, musky aroma with hints of red grapes and other berries. There are also earthy and woody notes that add complexity to the overall scent.

What is the yield of Big Bud outdoors?

Pretty hard to give a universal answer as so many factors are in play, but the average yield for an outdoor Big Bud plant is around 600 to 800 grams per plant when everything goes to plant (if not more).

Is Big Bud indica or sativa?

Big Bud is an indica-dominant hybrid, with 85% indica genetics

How strong is Big Bud?

The THC percentage of Big Bud averages out at between 20% - 22%.

What terpenes are in Big Bud?

The dominant terpene is myrcene, followed by limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, humulene,