Heard of black weed? It’s no myth – black cannabis strains exist and are prized for, you guessed it, their dark appearance. From classics like The Black and Black Domina to more modern cuts, get ready to discover the hottest black strains and learn what makes them so amazing.
Deep, dark, and mysterious, black cannabis strains are all the hype. And rightly so – in a world of green, black cannabis is a stunning rarity. But besides their beautiful colours, black cannabis strains also boast great genetics, high potency, and mouthwatering aromas/flavours.
But what causes cannabis to turn black, and what are the best black cannabis strains to cultivate at home? Keep reading to find out all there is to know about the novelty that is black weed.
The true colours of cannabis

Most cannabis strains are green. That’s because, like many other sun-loving plants, cannabis is naturally packed with chlorophyll – a green pigment that allows it to photosynthesise.
However, some cannabis strains also contain high amounts of anthocyanins – a type of flavonoid commonly found in grapes, berries, apples, and even cabbage. Like the aforementioned fruits and veggies, cannabis strains with high concentrations of anthocyanins can develop stunning blue, red, pink, and purple hues.

Much like Purple Haze, GDP, and other famous purple strains, black cannabis varieties also get their unique dark colours from anthocyanins. In these strains, however, the flavonoid produces extremely dark shades of purple that, to the naked eye, look black.
Can you grow black weed at home?
Black cannabis is no gimmick, and you can definitely grow your own black weed at home. To do so, you’ll want to:

1. Pick the right genetics
The best way to ensure you harvest deep, dark buds is by growing seeds with a natural tendency to go deep purple or black. These strains will naturally come packed with anthocyanins that, in the right conditions, will give your weed beautiful dark hues. The strains listed further down in this article are a great place to start when growing black weed at home.
2. Drop the temps in your grow room
Anthocyanins are thought to protect plants from cold temperatures. Hence, dropping the temperatures in your grow room/tent may encourage your black cannabis strains to express their naturally dark colours. For the best results, we recommend dropping the nighttime temps in your tent/room to 16-17°C, especially during the late flowering period.
3. Slightly raise your pH
Cannabis tends to like slightly acidic soil conditions of 6.0-7.0 in soil and 5.5-6.5 in hydroponic setups. However, we’ve found that keeping your pH slightly higher (though not above 7.0) can help intensify the colours of purple and black cannabis strains.
Is black weed stronger?
Like purple strains, black weed varieties are often thought to be stronger or have more “psychedelic” effects than regular green weed. That, however, is a myth.
The potency of cannabis has nothing to do with its colour. Instead, it comes down to the amount of resin a plant produces, as well as the chemical makeup of said resin. Neither chlorophyll nor anthocyanins are psychoactive, and they also haven’t been shown to synergise with cannabinoids or terpenes in any way.
Note – some black cannabis varieties come from great genetic lines and, therefore, produce exceptionally potent flower. That potency, however, has nothing to do with the colour of these strains.
Is black weed better?

There really is no “better” or “worse” when it comes to cannabis. Using weed should always be about the experience. In our opinion, therefore, the best weed is that which provides you with the effects you’re after.
Unfortunately, however, black cannabis often fetches a higher price than regular green weed simply because of its bag appeal and rarity. But try not to let that fool you, and instead always search for the cannabis strains that deliver the right experience.
Are you a heavy smoker with a high tolerance in search of potency, for example? Then seek out the varieties with enough power to get you sufficiently high. If you have a low tolerance, on the other hand, look for strains with lower potency and a mix of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
If you like to smoke weed during the day, seek out strains with energising, creative, or social effects, especially if you need to stay active, motivated, and focused. If you’re looking to relax in the evening, however, pick strains with a soothing, physical buzz.
The 4 best black cannabis strains
Ready to immerse yourself in the mysterious world of black cannabis? Do so with one (or all) of these select strains:
The Black
Genetics: Afghan x Vietnamese x Mexican landraces
Aromas/flavours: Dark tea, wood, and nuts.
Breeder: Deep Ellum Seed Company
The Black is the quintessential black cannabis strain. Bred and released around 2006, the strain was created by Deep Ellum Seed Company in Colorado, USA.
A bushy indica hybrid, The Black was created by The Doctor, one of the founding breeders of Deep Ellum Seeds, from a cross of Afghan, Vietnamese, and Mexican landraces handed down to him by his father.
In 2008, High Times named The Black one of its Top 10 Strains of The Year. As her name implies, The Black is loaded with anthocyanins that give it a deep purple, almost jet-black appearance. Packed with rich terpenes reminiscent of tea, wood, and chestnuts, as well as plenty of THC, The Black delivers a deep, soothing physical stone ideal for moments of relaxation and introspection.
Black Domina

Genetics: Northern Lights x Ortega x Hash Plant x Afghan SA
Aromas/flavours: Pepper, hash, and berries.
Breeder: Sensi Seeds
Black Domina is our flagship black strain and combines genetics from 4 amazing indica plants. Descending from select cuts of Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant, and Afghan SA, our Black Domina is a robust, bushy plant with 95 % indica genes.
Resilient to stress and cool temperatures, this strain is super versatile and performs great indoors or outside, as well as in the hands of both inexperienced and veteran growers.
True to her name, our Black Domina develops deep purple, almost black leaves during late flowering. While her buds stay mainly green, they also develop some darker hues for extra eye-candy.
With high THC and spicy, hashy terps and sweet berry overtones, our cup-winning Black Domina delivers heavy effects that are ideal for unwinding after a long day.
Blackberry Cake

Genetics: Wedding Cake x Black Domina x Durban
Aromas/flavours: Earthy, woody, and citric.
Breeder: Sensi Seeds
To extend the Black genetic line, our breeders decided to cross our beloved Black Domina with Wedding Cake; a modern US cookies descendant, and the legendary Durban; a world-renowned South African landrace.
The resulting hybrid boasted 70% indica genes, compact and bushy growth traits, and dense buds. Its name came to us almost instantly after a single smell of her complex aroma – Blackberry Cake, thanks to its beautiful blend of earthy, woody, and citrus terps, which all sit atop the unique creaminess so characteristic of Wedding Cake and other modern US dessert strains.
Positive and relaxing, our Blackberry Cake is the perfect after dinner treat, helping relieve physical tension and mental stress before sending you off to dreamland.
The Bird

Genetics: OG Kush x Humboldt Dreams x Larry Bird
Aromas/flavours: Fuel, sandalwood, and skunk.
Breeder: Sensi Seeds x Humboldt Seed Company
The Bird is one of many strains created by Sensi Seeds and famed Californian breeders, Humboldt Seed Company. A cross of Sensi Seeds’ OG Kush and Humboldt’s Humboldt Dreams and Larry Bird, this 70% indica is rife with stunning dark colours, delicious terps, and potent cannabinoids.
The Bird is a compact plant that grows to manageable heights, flourishes in temperate climates, and produces dense flowers with great structure. Expect to harvest long indica nugs with colours ranging from forest green to deep purple; a frosty white sheen (thanks to its excellent resin production), and plenty of power.
The Bird’s aroma combines dank notes of fuel and skunk with hints of sandalwood and incense – a delight whether smoked, vaped, or worked into extracts or edibles. Thanks to her high potency, one hit is all you’ll need to feel warm, relaxed and happy – ideal for chill nights or weekends listening to music or watching movies in good company.
Did we miss your favourite black cannabis strain? Let us know what it is in the comments below!
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.