Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express: A Strain of Infamous Proportions
Pineapple Express is one of the most iconic strain names in the cannabis industry. It's been around a long time, but this infamous variety was catapulted to fame in 2008 thanks to the movie of the same name. Ever since, Pineapple Express has held a special place in many people's hearts. This sativa-dominant hybrid is chiefly appreciated for its fruity flavor and long-lasting effects. Let's dive into the history, effects, flavours, and growing characteristics of Pineapple Express.
Genetic Background of Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express is a real strain that predates the 2008 movie of the same name. A sativa-dominant hybrid created by crossing Trainwreck with Hawaiian, the strain is known for its dense, curly buds, dark green foliage, and fiery amber pistils. Growers love Pineapple Express for its large yields and easygoing nature.
Trainwreck
Trainwreck is a potent sativa hybrid known for its energizing effects. A cross between Mexican and Thai sativas and Afghan indicas, Trainwreck has a spicy, earthy flavor and is popular among recreational users, in particular.
Hawaiian
Hawaiian is a classic sativa strain with a tropical citrus aroma. It is known for its energetic and uplifting effects, making it a popular choice for daytime use. Hawaiian is also used by medicinal users to address issues like pain, low mood, and anxiety.
Pineapple Express the Movie
Pineapple Express rose to fame thanks to a 2008 movie starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. The movie follows two stoners who witness a murder and go on the run, all while smoking Pineapple Express. While the strain in the movie is not a true representation of the genuine article, the real Pineapple Express has become popular as a result, and can be found in dispensaries across the USA, and in tents and gardens across the world.
Smell and Flavor of Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express boasts a unique flavor and aroma with bright citrus notes infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the earthiness of pine. The terpenes primarily responsible for this distinct fruity flavor are caryophyllene, limonene, and ocimene.
caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is the dominant terpene in Pineapple Express, making up approximately 35% of its terpene profile. It exhibits a spicy and peppery aroma, and is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. This terpene also plays a role in the entourage effect, which is the synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes that enhances the overall effects of a strain.
Limonene
Limonene composes around 30% of Pineapple Express' terpene profile. This terp exhibits a strong citrusy aroma, and is known for its mood-boosting properties. In research settings, limonene has been noted to positively impact stress and anxiety, making Pineapple Express a potentially great choice for those looking to unwind and relax.
Ocimene
Ocimene is the third dominant terpene found in Pineapple Express, making up approximately 15% of its profile. It has a sweet and herbaceous aroma, and is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. This terpene also contributes a unique sweetness to the strain's fruity taste.
Together, these terpenes produce a flavor and aroma that is as complex as it is delicious. Each terpene also plays a role in the strain's effects, contributing to its uplifting and energizing qualities.
Potency and Effects of Pineapple Express
Given its energizing influence, Pineapple Express makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up or wake-and-bake option. A moderately strong THC content of 18 to 25% delivers an immediate, long-lasting buzz. You'll feel like you've been imbued with energy, alertness, and creativity! This strain is perfect for injecting some inspiration into your morning or afternoon when you need to get things done. So go ahead, take a hit of Pineapple Express, and get ready to be transported to a world of productivity and inspiration!
Top-Reported Effects
- Energy
- Uplifted
- Creative
- Blissful
- Focused
Side Effects of Pineapple Express
Like all strains, Pineapple Express has the potential to cause side effects. Dry mouth and eyes is common, though it is usually mild and temporary. Additionally, some users may experience paranoia if they consume too much of this strain.
Growing Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express is an easy-to-grow strain that produces large yields both indoors and outdoors. Reaching a medium height and taking just 7–9 weeks to flower, growers of all experience levels love Pineapple Express for its high productivity and low-maintenance nature. Grown indoors, Pineapple Express typically produces yields of around 700g/m², while outdoor yields can reach up to 2kg/plant.
Regarding soil and nutrients, whether grown in containers or directly in the ground, Pineapple Express flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Consider using organic fertilizers and supplements to promote healthy growth and larger yields. Moreover, Pineapple Express needs regular watering, but don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Indoor Growing Tips
- Light: Pineapple Express needs at least 18 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage, and a consistent 12 hours per day during the flowering stage. Consider using full-spectrum LED or HPS grow lights for optimal growth.
- Temperature and humidity: Pineapple Express thrives in a warm and somewhat humid environment, with temperatures of 20–28°C and humidity levels of 40–60%.
Outdoor Growing Tips
- Location: Outdoors, Pineapple Express needs to be planted in a warm and sunny location. This strain grows best in a Mediterranean climate, so those growing in cooler northern regions may want to consider growing indoors, if possible.
Advanced Growing Techniques
- Topping: Topping involves cutting off the growing tip of the plant, which encourages the formation of two new main branches. This is done to keep the plant at a more manageable height and potentially increase yields.
- Low-stress training (LST): With LST, you manipulate the plant's growth by tying down the main stem to encourage a more horizontal growth pattern. This can help to create an even canopy and maximize light exposure to all parts of the plant, resulting in larger yields.
- Sea of green (SOG): SOG involves growing multiple small plants in a small space and training them to form a dense canopy. This maximizes the yield per square meter and can result in a faster harvest, as plants are flipped to the flowering stage early.
- Hydroponics: Hydro utilises a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil, allowing for greater control over nutrient intake and potentially speeding up growth.
Should You Try Pineapple Express?
Pineapple Express is perfect for any cannabis user who wants to feel energized and uplifted. It's great for socialising, getting work done, or enjoying a day outdoors.
For medical users, Pineapple Express may help manage symptoms associated with depression, pain, and fatigue. Specifically, its energizing influence can help to boost mood and motivation, making it a good candidate for those who need to stay productive or take their mind off of mild aches and pains.
Pineapple Express is generally considered to be an appropriate strain for beginner growers, though its medium height and large size may necessitate some structural support during the late flowering stage. That said, plants respond well to grower intervention and display good resilience. Veteran growers, on the other hand, will really be able to max out their yields, especially outdoors.
Pineapple Express — A Fruity Sensation
Pineapple Express has really made a name for itself in the cannabis industry. With its bright, tropical citrus aroma, this strain is well-suited to anyone who wants to feel uplifted and energised. So why not give it a try?
Pineapple Express Cannabis Strain: FAQ
Q: What does Pineapple Express mean?
A: The term "Pineapple Express" originally referred to a weather phenomenon that brings heavy rain to the West Coast of the United States. Of course, today, the term mainly refers to the cannabis strain, or the film of the same name.
Q: Is Pineapple Express indica or sativa?
A: Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain, meaning it contains a mix of both sativa and indica genetics. Most cultivars generally feature around 60% sativa and 40% indica genetics.
Q: What kind of high does Pineapple Express exhibit?
A: Pineapple Express produces an upbeat, blissful high. Its effects are known to be energising, making it a great choice for socializing or getting work done.
Q: Is Pineapple Express a strong strain?
A: With 18 to 25% THC, Pineapple Express is a safe option for most cannabis users. That said, while it is not the strongest strain on the market, it can still produce a potent high.
Q: Is Pineapple Express good for sleep?
A: Pineapple Express is generally not recommended for sleep, as its effects tend to be on the more energizing side. At higher doses, it may eventually help you to drift off to sleep.
Q: Is Pineapple Express good for pain?
A: Pineapple Express' uplifting effects can help to boost mood and motivation, making it a potentially good choice for those who need to stay productive despite experiencing pain or discomfort.
Q: Why is Pineapple Express so popular?
A: The popularity surrounding Pineapple Express comes partially from the 2008 movie of the same name, as well as from the strain's surging, uplifting high and tropical citrus flavour.
Q: Is Pineapple Express good for beginners?
A: Novice smokers should get along well with the strain, as long as they enjoy it in moderation. In terms of growth, Pineapple Express is suitable for relative beginners, thanks to its robust growth and easygoing nature.
Grow your own Pineapple Express
- Flowering type
- Photoperiod
- Flowering time
- 7-9 weeks
- Yield (indoor)
- Large
- Yield (outdoor)
- Large
- Height (indoor)
- Medium
- Height (outdoor)
- Medium
Lineage of Pineapple Express
Fold Unfold-
Pineapple Express
- Train Wreck
- Mexican Sativa
- Afghani
- Thai
- Pure landrace sativa
- Hawaiian
- Train Wreck