Romulan

Romulan: A True Canadian Classic That's Still Loved Today

Romulan is a hybrid cannabis strain bred from sativa and indica landraces in British Columbia, Canada in the 1980/90s. Now available from a wide variety of breeders and seed banks, the original Romulan is said to still be available in seed form through Next Generation Seed Company. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved Canadian classic.

Genetic Background of Romulan: Landraces Unite

Like with many cannabis strains, the exact origins of Romulan are shrouded in mystery. Out of all the theories regarding its origins, the one with the most weight suggests that Romulan was created by Romulan Joe, a breeder from Santa Cruz. Romulan Joe apparently worked closely with Sacred Seeds (a Santa Cruz seed bank led by Sam the Skunkman) until the bank was raided in 1982. From there, Romulan Joe (then known as Mendocino Joe) crossed the border to Victoria, British Columbia, where he apparently bred Romulan. The strain grew in popularity after Joe passed a cutting of it to Next Generation Seed Company (then known as Federation Seeds). Today, Next Generation Seed Company is still considered the prime producer of Romulan seeds.

Romulan is named after the fictional alien species from Star Trek of the same name. Romulans are native to the planet Romulus and have V-shaped ridges on their foreheads. Rumour has it that the Romulan strain was jokingly said to be so strong it could "dent your head", which is apparently how it got its name.

Romulan is an old-school strain bred from classic landraces like Thai, Mexican, and Colombian sativas and Afghani indicas. While it's often thought of as an indica-dominant plant due to its compact growth and sedative effects, Next Generation Seeds claims the strain is at least 50% sativa. The bank also claims that Romulan was originally bred in the 1980s using Thai landraces preserved by Korean war veterans all across Vancouver Island, before Mexican sativa, Colombian, and a mysterious Afghani indica were introduced to the mix. Today, Next Generation Seed Company claims to have preserved these same genetics from the 1980s, which they received in 1996 from Romulan Joe.

Meanwhile, many other seed banks offer their own versions of Romulan, including:

• Romulan Genetics
• Grower's Lab Seeds
• Delicious Seeds
• Grower's Choice
• Pyramid Seeds

Note: Different seed banks may create their version of Romulan using different genetics than those described here.

Aroma and Flavour of Romulan: Fresh Yet Funky

While Next Generation Seed Company doesn't provide information regarding the strain's terpenes, other online sources suggest that it is rich in:

• Myrcene
• Caryophyllene
• Pinene

These terpenes combine to give the strain its unique and strong aroma, characterised by fresh pine overtones, though some users also report picking up on notes of fresh pepper, skunk, fermented grapes, and tart limes. Its flavours are similar, with very forward notes of pine on the inhale, and subtler hints of spicy, citric skunk on the exhale.

Effects and Potency of Romulan: Strong and Stoning

Next Generation Seed Company reports that Romulan produces up to 22–23% THC and up to 1% CBD. While its THC levels might look mild in comparison to those of more modern strains, Romulan is still very potent, and its effects strike quickly after just a few tokes. Users typically report feeling a wave of mental euphoria accompanied by a heavy, relaxing physical stone wash over the entire body within minutes of smoking this strain. As its effects progress, you can expect Romulan to lull you into a happy, hungry, and giggly daze before sending you into a deep and restorative sleep.

Recreational Uses

Romulan is far from a daytime strain: instead, it's best enjoyed in small doses in the evening to relax, watch movies, or listen to music before heading to bed. Whether you're seeking some peaceful introspection or are chilling with a friend or partner, allow Romulan to take you on a smooth and upbeat ride.

Medical Uses

Romulan has long been a favourite among medical cannabis users. Next Generation Seed Company claims, for example, that the British Columbia Compassion Society and many other BC medical cannabis collectives have long been recommending the strain for a variety of ailments.

As is the case with most cannabis strains, there is no medical research to show that Romulan has specific medical benefits. However, a growing body of research has explored the therapeutic potential of cannabis in general, and online reviews and reports show that many medical cannabis patients recommend this strain for issues relating to:

• Pain (both nociceptive and neuropathic)
• Sleep
• Stress and anxiety
• Inflammation
• Nausea and vomiting

Note: We are not doctors, and the information in this article (along with any other information on Cannaconnection.com) should not be taken as medical advice. If you're interested in using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, speak to your doctor.

Side Effects

All high-THC cannabis varieties can have side effects, and Romulan is no different. Some of the most commonly reported negative effects of this strain include:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Couch-lock
• Anxiety and paranoia

Given its potency, Romulan is best enjoyed in moderation, especially by users with a low tolerance for THC.

Growing Romulan: Medium Yields, High-Quality Buds

Romulan is often mistaken as an indica-dominant strain, and for good reason—these plants typically have a short indica structure, with broad, dark-green leaves. Her shortly spaced nodes and strong, short branches become heavy with dense, sticky flowers during bloom that, in the right conditions, can develop beautiful purple hues on the stems and sugar leaves.

Romulan was initially not a high-yielding strain, attracting growers and smokers more with the potency and intense aromas of its flowers than with the weight of its yields. However, Next Generation Seed Company says that it has continued breeding Romulan to preserve its traits while trying to improve its yields. It does so by continually preserving Romulan's more sativa phenotypes, which tend to produce larger yields. As always, Romulan still impresses growers with its superb resin production, as well as its all-round resilience to stress, pests, and pathogens.

Thanks to its indica genetics, Romulan is very fast flowering, getting to harvest in just 55–60 days indoors and by mid-October outdoors.

Indoor Growing Tips

As the plant takes on a short, stout structure, those with smaller tents and rooms can grow Romulan successfully. Plants also respond well to LST and other training techniques, but they don't necessarily require any intervention. As such, even beginner growers should get on well cultivating Romulan indoors. As mentioned above, the yield potential of Romulan isn't especially high, with average harvest sitting at around 250g/m² indoors.

Outdoor Growing Tips

Outdoors, Romulan will thrive in basically any sunny spot, whether grown in pots or garden beds. She doesn't have any particular feeding or watering requirements, and is generally resilient outside. However, she is sensitive to pH fluctuation, so make sure to regularly test your substrate and nutrient solution with a pH meter. Once harvest rolls around, medium yields of high-quality buds will be up for grabs.

Should You Try Romulan?

Romulan offers a blissful physical high alongside a nice helping of euphoria, not to mention a fresh yet skunky aroma that makes every hit a delicacy. Whether you're a rec user, a medical cannabis patient, or a grower, there's something to love about Romulan.

For Growers

Growers looking to rear a cannabis legend will not be disappointed by the quality of buds they receive from Romulan. Though the yields are on the lower side, the buds themselves are impressive. Plus, as the strain is resilient and fast to finish, growers of all experience levels can achieve success with this strain, indoors and outdoors.

For Recreational Users

Recreational users of Romulan spare no detail when it comes to describing why they love the effects of this strain. With a blissful euphoric rush that gives way to a deeply relaxing and buzzy physical high, there are few strains better suited for evening introspection. Small doses help to boost cognition, while larger doses will put you into a deep but pleasant trance.

For Medical Users

Medical cannabis users also rave about this strain. Indeed, Romulan has received its fair share of attention for its holistic prowess. Although we cannot attest to the exact benefits of this strain for various medical conditions, Romulan has long been a preferred strain by all manner of medical users.

Romulan: Decades of Success

Romulan is a storied strain with intriguing geographical origins and an impressive genetic background. Having stood the test of time, this strain proves that you don't need a lot of bells and whistles to secure a strong fan base. If you're looking to grow or sample a piece of cannabis history, get some Romulan seeds in the soil.

Romulan: FAQ

Q: Is Romulan indica or sativa?
A: Romulan is often mistaken for an indica strain due to its compact structure. However, Next Generation Seed Company claim the strain is at least 50% sativa.

Q: Is Romulan good for anxiety?
A: There is no medical research to show that Romulan can relieve symptoms of anxiety. However, both recreational users and medical patients report using this strain to effectively relieve anxiety and stress. Remember, though, that the effects of cannabis can be very subjective.

Q: What are the effects of smoking Romulan cannabis?
A: Romulan is known and loved for producing a heavy stone that fully relaxes the body while inducing a long-lasting mental euphoria. It is also known to produce couch-lock and promote sleep, so it is best to enjoy Romulan in the evening or whenever you can lean into its heavy-handed effects.

Q: What are the side effects of Romulan?
A: Like all high-THC cannabis strains, Romulan can produce an array of negative side effects, from dry mouth and dry eyes to dizziness and anxiety. These effects usually wear off after a few hours, and are also subjective and can vary from one person to another.

Q: How potent is the Romulan strain compared to other strains?
A: Romulan has 22–23% THC and up to 1% CBD. It is a potent strain and should be used in moderation, especially by novice users or those with a low tolerance. In comparison to modern cannabis strains, some of which can contain over 30% THC, Romulan is considered mid-strength.