Often, people want to avoid bringing metaphorical “trainwrecks” into their lives. In the cannabis space, however, many tokers can’t get enough of the Trainwreck strain. Since the 1970s, Trainwreck has been a top-performing cannabis cultivar and continues to be a popular choice in legal dispensaries throughout North America. However, new consumers shouldn’t be so quick to “hop aboard” this hybrid, especially if they have minimal experience with THC and sativa-rich strains. True to its name, Trainwreck can quickly “derail” your cannabis experience if you don’t know what you’re getting into.
Trainwreck Strain Overview
- Mix of Afghani, Thai, and Mexican landraces
- 80/20 sativa-to-indica ratio
- Average THC content: 20%
- Average CBD content: ≤ 1%
- Terpenes: Limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
The Trainwreck Strain’s Origins & Genetics
Most accounts of Trainwreck’s history suggest two brother cannabis cultivators in California developed this strain in the 1970s. There are a few theories surrounding the decision to name this strain “Trainwreck,” but the most common view is a train literally got into an accident close to the brothers’ property, prompting the pair to escape with their strain before police started snooping around their premises. However, the phrase “Trainwreck” may also refer to this hybrid’s slightly gassy scent and its “in-your-face” sativa properties.
Most cannabis fans agree there are three landrace strains in Trainwreck’s genotype: Mexican, Thai, and Afghani. Of these three, Mexican and Thai seem to have the most profound effects, considering most Trainwreck strains have at least an 80% sativa content. Many lab reports also suggest Trainwreck has high THC concentrations of 20% and CBD below 1%.
Trainwreck’s Terpenes: How Does Trainwreck Taste?
The Trainwreck strain’s scent isn’t as “industrial” as you might expect, but many tokers agree this is a fairly “pungent” strain. However, instead of smelling aromatics like gasoline or skunk, it’s more likely a Trainwreck cultivar will have a lemony fresh flavor. In addition to citrus fruit, Trainwreck tends to have a high concentration of the terpene alpha-pinene, giving strains a fresh earthy scent similar to a pine forest. Tokers may also notice slight hints of cooling menthol or spicy pepper thanks to the inclusion of Afghani. However, people who enjoy Trainwreck the most tend to enjoy strains with strong notes of lime and pine.
What Does Smoking Trainwreck Feel Like?
Because Trainwreck is a THC-heavy sativa-dominant hybrid, users should expect a surge of energy after just one hit. Typically, people who take Trainwreck feel a head-buzz high and a sense of euphoria if they have previous experience with THC. However, if smokers have never used a THC sativa strain before, they may feel disoriented, paranoid, and lightheaded after their first rip.
However, the sativa effects tend to fade as Trainwreck’s “high” progresses, and people may notice a relaxing “body buzz” a few hours later. The intensity of Trainwreck’s couchlock properties typically depends on the total indica percentage in a person’s specific cultivar. While most Trainwreck strains have 80% sativa, a few varieties may have more or less sativa genetics. Also, flowers with a higher-than-average THC percentage are more likely to provoke intense effects versus those with more moderate THC concentrations.
Are There Any Side Effects With The Trainwreck Strain?
Just because Trainwreck has been around since the 1970s doesn’t mean it’s “tame” compared to newer cannabis hybrids. Although studies suggest today’s cannabis tends to have higher THC than in the 1960s, cultivators making Trainwreck nowadays tend to maximize their THC percentage. Due to these excessive THC rates, Trainwreck commonly provokes side effects like paranoia, especially if people don’t have experience with delta-9 THC. Users may also experience side effects like the “marijuana shakes,” confusion, and racing thoughts if they take too much Trainwreck too quickly. People who aren’t ready for high-THC strains shouldn’t start their journey with cultivars like Trainwreck. Instead, looking into low-THC hemp flowers with a similar flavor profile is a way safer option. Although many hemp strains taste similar to cannabis cultivars, they have minimal risk of paranoia due to their low THC concentration. Not only are hemp flowers low in THC, they have high amounts of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD. For more details on the latest artisan-grade CBD hemp strains, visit Cannaflower’s online portal.
