In the kaleidoscopic of cannabis strains, Pineapple Express stands out as a vibrant and tropical melody. This strain has captured the attention of enthusiasts worldwide, not just for its association with a popular movie but also for its distinctive aroma and flavor. In this strain spotlight, we’ll make sure you know everything you need to know about Pineapple Express, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you pick it up at your dispensary.

What is Pineapple Express?

Pineapple Express is a well-known sativa-leaning hybrid strain renowned for its tropical flavors and the movie created with the same name. Created by a cross of Trainwreck and Hawaiian, most people think the name Pineapple Express was given to the strain because of both its parentage and its flavor. Truth be told, Pineapple Express is a term meteorologists use to speak to the currents of moisture off the coast of Hawaii. 

Its origin story aside, Pineapple Express is a flavorful and aromatic strain that averages around 21% THC—so take this strain slowly until you know how it affects you.

There are very few strains that can boast the sort of genetic profile that Pineapple Express can. It is a cultivar created through the breeding of Trainwreck, a hybrid, and Hawaiian, a landrace strain. Pineapple Express, made popular through the movie, continues to be popular today—with growers, too. Because it flowers in just seven weeks and requires very little maintenance, it is a profitable strain to grow both indoors and outside.

True to its name, Pineapple Express exudes a tropical and fruity aroma. The scent is a delightful fusion of sweet pineapple notes, citrus undertones, and a hint of earthiness. The aromatic profile alone can transport users to a sunny beach paradise, making it a favorite among those who appreciate flavorful cannabis experiences.

The sensory journey of Pineapple Express extends to its taste. The flavor profile is dominated by the sweetness of pineapple, complemented by subtle citrus accents. The combination creates a palate-pleasing experience that lingers with every exhale.

In the realm of potency, Pineapple Express holds its ground. With moderate to high THC levels that average about 21%, this hybrid pays homage to its parent strain, Trainwreck. While its effects will always be unique to you and your endocannabinoid system, both recreational cannabis enthusiasts and medical marijuana patients feel that they benefit from Pineapple Express.

The Pineapple Express family has expanded over time, giving rise to delightful variations. Some noteworthy members include:

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Pineapple OG, also recognized as Pineapple Kush, Pineapple OG Kush, or Pineapple OGK, is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain, born from the crossbreeding of the classic Pineapple Express and OG Kush strains. This well-regarded bud is celebrated by both recreational cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients for its distinctly delicious tropical flavor profile. True to its name, the Pineapple OG strain features an exceptionally sweet and fruity taste with tropical pineapple citrus notes, complemented by subtle hints of spiciness and woodiness. The aroma echoes this palate, offering an earthy, gasoline-like undertone that’s heightened by woodiness, tart citrus, and enough of a hint of pineapple that you know why it got its name. Pineapple OG ranges from 17% to 26% THC, so be careful when you’re trying it for the first time.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Purple Pineapple Express is an indica-leaning hybrid, boasting a composition of 60% indica and 40% sativa. Crafted by merging the Pineapple Express and Huckleberry Hound strains, this cultivar promises a unique and flavorful sensory experience. The strain's flavor profile mirrors its name, offering a sweet and fruity tropical pineapple essence complemented by notes of fresh berries, grapes, and a subtle undertone of pine. The aromatic journey parallels the taste with an earthy and woody foundation that harmonizes with the freshness of berries. A pronounced tanginess reminiscent of pineapple adds a unique twist to the overall olfactory experience. With an average THC level ranging from 20-24%, the Purple Pineapple Express strain is a strain that screams “All aboard!”.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Pineapple Tangie, a sativa-dominant hybrid with 75% sativa and 25% indica, emerges from the delightful fusion of Pineapple Express and Sour Tangie strains. True to its name, Pineapple Tangie orchestrates a symphony of pineapples harmonizing with the sour notes of lemon in each inhale. The aroma is much the same, featuring sour citrus and pineapple. Despite the Pineapple Tangie strain’s relatively low THC level of 3-4%, its noteworthy CBD content of 10% adds an interesting dimension to its profile.

Looking for a top-level understanding of Pineapple Express? Here are some quick questions and answers to keep you informed:

Is Pineapple Express an indica or sativa?
Pineapple Express is a hybrid strain that leans into the sativa end of the spectrum with 60% sativa and 40% indica.

What strain is Pineapple Express?
Pineapple Express is a hybrid strain that was created when the parent strains Hawaiian and Trainwreck were crossed. While it was the subject of a 2008 movie, the Pineapple Express strain existed long before that film ever hit theaters.

Was Pineapple Express a real strain before the movie?
Yes, Pineapple Express existed as a real strain before the movie, gaining popularity for its tropical flavors and aroma.
 

Few strains in the world have been as popularized as Pineapple Express, but it lives up to the expectation that it's earned. It’s flavorful and aromatic, and it gets the job done when it comes to THC levels. It also shouldn’t be too difficult to find in a dispensary near you. If you don’t see it, just talk to your budtender and let them know you’re interested in trying it if they have it in stock.