Black Velvet strain guide
Black Velvet is a balanced hybrid of The Black and Burmese Kush, with roots in British Columbia's seed scene. It's an older, less common strain, known for an unusual floral and citrus smell with a cheesy edge, and a relaxed, sleepy feel.
Where does Black Velvet come from?
One strain database lists Black Velvet as a cross of The Black and Burmese Kush. Another database traces the original to Vancouver Island Seed Company, and lists a later version from B.C. Grown, described as a dark purple indica crossed with a citrusy Burmese. The Black is an old dark-coloured strain whose ancestry that database traces partly to Afghani.
A different Black Velvet comes from Newt Brothers Genetics, who crossed The Black with DJ Short's Blue Velvet instead. Same name, different plant, so not every Black Velvet shares the Burmese side.
What does Black Velvet smell and taste like?
Floral is the word that comes up most. Reviewers describe rose and flowers with fruity citrus, and some notice a sharp, blue cheese note underneath. One mentions blackberry and sweet frosting. The Newt Brothers version is described as floral and berry with a petroleum edge.
One strain database lists limonene as its main terpene, followed by caryophyllene and pinene. Limonene fits the citrus, caryophyllene adds a peppery bite and pinene a light pine note.
Black Velvet effects: what people report
People most often describe it as relaxed and sleepy, and many mention the munchies. Reviewers also report feeling happy, euphoric and a little giggly before it settles into the body. The Newt Brothers breeders describe their version as calming with a creative streak.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the batch, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the usual complaints, and a few people mention feeling anxious.
How strong is Black Velvet?
Black Velvet sits in the middle range. One strain database lists about 19% THC and another database gives 15% to 20% for the B.C. Grown version. CBD is usually very low.
That's gentler than many newer strains, but still worth starting small. The THC and CBD on your label matter more than the strain name.
Buying Black Velvet in Canada
This isn't one of the common names, and since more than one cross is sold as Black Velvet, the plant you get depends on who grew it. If the genetics matter to you, look for them in the product description.
Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date, since floral notes fade as flower ages.
Black Velvet vs Black Domina
There's no documented family link between them, but Black Domina is the closest well-known match: another older, dark-named strain with Afghani in its background and a sleepy, hungry reputation. Black Domina is a heavier indica that smells peppery, woody and earthy, while Black Velvet is more balanced and leans floral and citrus. Black Domina is usually listed a bit higher, around 18% to 24% THC. If you want something brighter-smelling, try Black Velvet.
Strains like Black Velvet
If you like Black Velvet, these are worth a look:
- Black Domina: an old-school, heavy indica with a similar sleepy, hungry reputation.
- Afghani: part of The Black's background, earthy and deeply relaxing.
- Blue Cheese: for the sharp cheesy note some people find in Black Velvet.
- Blackberry Kush: dark berry and a relaxed, sleepy feel.
