Sensi Star Strain: Lineage, Effects and Cup Wins

Sensi Star was one of the first strains Paradise Seeds released after the company started in 1994, according to founder Luc Krol. On its product page, the Amsterdam seed company calls it a powerhouse indica, lists it as 90% indica and 10% sativa, and gives 1995 as its first release. It describes the genetics as a refined cross of Afghan and Indian landrace lines with classic Skunk influences, and its strain history adds that the original was backcrossed with an Afghani and selected from hundreds of plants.

Most sources agree it is an indica, by different margins. Leafly lists it as indica, while AllBud calls it an indica-dominant hybrid, about 70% indica. The indica vs sativa vs hybrid guide explains what those labels do and don't tell you.

Paradise Seeds credits it with over 15 major competition wins, starting with first prize at both the High Times Cannabis Cup and the Highlife Cannabis Cup in 1999, and including second at the High Times Cup in 2000, High Times Plant of the Year in 2003, and first prize at the Highlife Cup in 2004 and 2010.

Paradise Seeds describes compact, rock-hard colas under a thick layer of trichomes, and Leafly's grower notes mention sparkling trichomes against dark green and purple colouring.

The smell is what sets it apart. In the grow room, the breeder says, it gives off a strong but fresh mix of mint, pine, metal and pepper with floral undertones, and Krol has compared the bouquet to mint, metal and oxygen combined. Once dried, Paradise says, the flavours turn earthy, citrus and spicy. Leafly's reviewers most often pick earthy, tea and flowery flavours, and AllBud lists citrus, herbal, pine and sweet.

Paradise Seeds names myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene as its main terpenes, the same three that lead Leafly's lab data in a slightly different order. The cannabis terpenes guide explains each one.

Paradise Seeds describes an immediate wave of full-body relaxation followed by a strong cerebral high that can overwhelm novices, and calls it a couch-lock strain best suited to evenings. Leafly's reviewers most often report feeling sleepy, relaxed and tingly, and Leafly advises people with a low THC tolerance to use caution. AllBud lists creative, euphoric, happy, relaxing and sleepy effects. The negatives Leafly users mention most are dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness.

Breeder copy and crowd-sourced reviews are not test results. Health Canada notes that everyone's response to cannabis is different and that the same person's response can differ from one time to the next. For medical questions, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Figures vary by source. Paradise Seeds lists 24% THC on its product page and says levels typically reach 20% and above, but its published grow report puts past tests at 16 to 20%. Leafly shows 17% and AllBud 20 to 26%. Check the label on the product you buy. Health Canada suggests starting with 1 or 2 puffs of a product with 10% THC or less and allowing up to 30 minutes for the full effect, and Canada's Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines advise against driving for at least 6 hours after using cannabis.

Paradise Seeds, citing SeedFinder, says Sensi Star has sired 55 direct descendants, including Bio-Diesel, Stevie Wonder, Death Star, Sensitron and Lemon Stinky. Two to compare:

See the indica flower menu for what is in stock right now; the menu carries lab-tested products. GasDank offers same-day delivery across Toronto and the GTA, usually within one to two hours, plus mail order across Canada. Toronto and Mississauga: $40 minimum, free delivery from $80. Outer GTA: $60 minimum, free from $160. Mail order: no minimum, free shipping from $150. Local orders can be paid by cash on delivery or Interac e-Transfer. You must be 19 or older (21 in Quebec), with ID checked at the door.