UK Cheese is a strain of cannabis known for its pungent aroma, potent effects, and unique flavor. UK Cheese first gained popularity in the 1980s. Since then, it has become a must-have strain for cannabis lovers around the world.
UK Cheese’s distinct aroma, described as a blend of cheese and skunk – is fairly strong and can linger in the air. So, if you’re trying to keep your session on the down low, and not smell like weed, then UK Cheese may not be the best choice.
UK Cheese
Genetics
Its taste is often characterized as earthy and slightly sweet, with a hint of the sourness associated with certain types of cheese. The buds of UK Cheese are usually dense and bright green and often covered in a thick layer of trichomes.
Trichomes are the resinous crystals you can see on the surface of your cannabis flower. Not only are trichomes rich in terpenes, but they also contain cannabinoids. It’s believed the interaction of multiple cannabinoids with multiple terpenes could lead to the enhanced cannabis experience known as the Entourage Effect.
Learn More:
What Are Terpenes In Weed?
UK Cheese Strain Effects
UK Cheese tends to provide a balanced mix of indica and sativa effects. Consumers have been known to experience an uplifting cerebral high along with full body relaxation. This makes UK Cheese a suitable strain for both daytime and evening use.
Some medical marijuana patients have reported that UK Cheese has helped relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. However, it’s important to note that individual reactions to cannabis will vary.
UK Cheese is known to have potent effects with THC levels right around 20%. So, if you are new to cannabis and trying UK Cheese for the first time – proceed with caution.
UK Cheese Strain Origin
The exact origins of UK Cheese are shrouded in cannabis lore. But one thing that is for sure, is that UK Cheese has inherited its world-class genetics from a few amazing landrace strains of cannabis.
UK Cheese is considered to be a phenotype of Skunk #1. Skunk #1 is believed to be a hybrid of the legendary landrace strains: Afghani, Acapulco Gold, and Columbian Gold.
Afghani is from the Hindu Kush mountain range that runs through Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is an Indica strain known to provide full body relaxation effects along with feelings of euphoria.
Acapulco Gold is a sativa strain from the Guerrero Mountain range near Acapulco, Mexico. It tends to provide happy, uplifting, and energizing effects that can promote creativity. Acapulco Gold has been named a Top 25 Best Cannabis Strain of All Time by High Times magazine.
Columbian Gold originated in the Santa Marta mountains of Columbia. It is also a sativa that can tend to provide uplifting effects without feelings of paranoia. Columbian Gold tends to have a skunky scent with hints of lemon.
Learn More:
Landrace Strains of Cannabis
So now that we better understand where UK Cheese gets its unique genetics let’s take a look into who was responsible for sharing this wonder-filled strain with the world.
The Believed Origins of UK Cheese
One of the stories suggests that in the late 1980s, a cannabis grower in England came across a batch of Skunk #1, with a pungent aroma reminiscent of cheese that seemed to have its own unique characteristics. It’s believed this grower then took some clones and spread them across the UK.
This particular Skunk #1 phenotype developed the distinctive aroma and flavor that became characteristic of UK Cheese. It wouldn’t be long before this strain made its way to Amsterdam where it quickly became a hit.
In the 1990s, UK Cheese experienced a resurgence. Many credit a group called the Exodus Collective in the United Kingdom for this. The Exodus was an underground rave collective that advocated for the legalization of cannabis.
Well, as the story goes, it’s believed the Exodus Collective got their hands on a female clone of UK Cheese. From there they may have helped distribute UK Cheese seeds and clones across the UK, and beyond.
This is why UK Cheese is sometimes called Exodus Cheese.
UK Cheese Terpenes
The exact terpene profile of a cannabis strain can vary based on things like its genetics, cultivation methods, and environmental conditions. However, UK Cheese is known for having a distinctive aroma as a result of its terpene composition. Some of the terpenes typically associated with UK Cheese include Terpinolene, Ocimene, and Myrcene.
Terpinolene Terpene
Terpinolene is considered a minor terpene, which means it occurs less abundantly. Its effects can also be influenced by the overall terpene profile of a particular strain of cannabis. Terpinolene is known for contributing to the diverse and complex aroma of different cannabis strains. It can exhibit a range of scents, including floral, herbal, piney, citrusy, and even slightly fruity.
Terpinolene Effects
While terpinolene is often associated with potential relaxing effects, its effects can be modulated by other terpenes and cannabinoids present in the strain. It’s believed Terpinolene could have potential health benefits including having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpinolene is commonly found in essential oils and is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and even in the flavoring of some food and beverages. Strains with higher levels of terpinolene, will tend to exhibit a more pronounced herbal or floral aroma.
Ocimene Terpene
Ocimene is known for its sweet, herbaceous, and woody scent. It can also have floral, citrusy, or fruity undertones. The aroma of ocimene can vary depending on the strain and its terpene composition.
Ocimene can exhibit different aromatic profiles based on the concentration and the presence of other terpenes. In some strains, ocimene might contribute to an herbal or woody scent, while in others, it could contribute to a citrusy or sweet aroma.
Ocimene Terpene Effects
Like many terpenes, the effects of ocimene can be influenced by the other compounds present in cannabis. Ocimene is believed to have potential antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to cannabis, Ocimene is also found in a variety of other plants and herbs including mint, parsley, and tarragon. It’s often used in perfumery and aromatherapy due to its pleasant aroma.
Cannabis strains known to have higher levels of ocimene in their terpene profiles can exhibit a more pronounced herbal, woody, or sweet aroma. Oils rich in Ocimene are believed to have the potential to help alleviate fungal infections, convulsions, and tumors.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis and other plants. It’s responsible for the earthy, musky, and herbal aroma often associated with cannabis. With a scent similar to cloves, Myrcene tends to have earthy notes with a hint of fruitiness.
Myrcene Terpene
Strains of cannabis known for their relaxing and sedative effects tend to have higher levels of the myrcene terpene. Myrcene also tends to be present in many Indica strains of cannabis.
Myrcene Terpene Effects
In addition to its relaxing effects, and pain-relieving potential, myrcene is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some cannabis users report that strains high in myrcene can help them feel calm and can help to ease anxiety.
Myrcene is believed to enhance the bioavailability of other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD. By facilitating their passage through the blood-brain barrier, Myrcene could contribute to the entourage effect.
Learn more:
What Is the Entourage Effect?
Besides cannabis, Myrcene can be found in hops, lemongrass, mangoes, and thyme. It’s important to note that the effects of myrcene can vary depending on the specific strain and individual differences in how our bodies respond to terpenes, cannabinoids, and the other active compounds in cannabis.
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