Sensi Star

Family and indica morphology

Cannabis cultivars with an indica dominance (genus Cannabis, family Cannabaceae) typically form compact, bushy plants with broad leaves and short internodes — traits historically selected in the mountain regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Dense, resinous flowers and abundant trichomes make such lines valuable both for flower consumption and for hash production. Sensi Star is one of the benchmark «pure» indica cultivars from European breeding.

Cultivar and history

Sensi Star was bred by the seed bank Paradise Seeds (Netherlands). Released in 1995; a stabilised version followed in 1997. The exact lineage is not disclosed — Paradise Seeds traditionally do not publish cultivar genetics. By morphology and effect the strain is classed as nearly pure indica (around 90% indica / 10% sativa). The plant is bushy and short (indoors usually under 80 cm), with many lateral branches; flowers are compact, with very high trichome density — the cultivar is also prized by hash producers.

Awards and recognition

Sensi Star has won major European cups on several occasions. In 1999 it won the High Times Cannabis Cup in the Indica category and the High Life Cannabis Cup. In 2003 High Times magazine named it Plant of the Year. Over the decades the strain has become one of the legendary indica lines and has influenced many later hybrids.

Terpenes, aroma and effect

The terpene profile is dominated by earthy, pine and citrus tones; aroma when rubbed is described as lemon, metal, earth and «gas». THC content is usually 20–24%. The effect is strong and physical: first a wave of euphoria, then deep relaxation — the breeders themselves call it the «tsunami effect». In the botanical collection Sensi Star is presented as a classic of Dutch indica breeding and a holder of historic awards.