Flo strain guide
Flo is an old-school hybrid of Purple Thai and Afghani, best known through breeder DJ Short. It has a sweet, earthy smell with a cool menthol edge and a reputation for a clear, upbeat feel. It's milder on paper than most modern strains, which is part of its appeal.
Where does Flo come from?
Flo is a cross of Purple Thai and an Afghani indica, and both sources we checked agree on that pairing. It's often sold as DJ Short Flo, after the American breeder behind classics like Blueberry. One strain database credits Dutch Passion as the breeder, with DJ Short carrying the line forward, so who should get top billing depends on who you ask.
Either way, it comes from the same Thai and Afghani genetics that shaped a lot of DJ Short's work, and it later became a parent itself: Gello is a cross of Gelato 45 and Flo.
What does Flo smell and taste like?
Flo smells earthy and sweet, with fruit, pine and a little spice. Several listings also pick up a cool menthol note, and some growers report fruity or diesel-leaning plants depending on the cut.
One strain database lists limonene as its top terpene, followed by caryophyllene and myrcene. That fits the citrus brightness on the inhale and the peppery, earthy finish. The flavour is usually described as sweet and piney with a hint of mint.
Flo effects: what people report
People most often describe Flo as uplifting, focused and creative, with a gentle mood lift rather than a heavy push. Reviewers call it mild and energetic, and some mention a light body feel underneath that keeps it from getting racy.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry mouth is the most common complaint, and a few people mention a headache or feeling anxious.
How strong is Flo?
Flo is a moderate-THC strain by today's standards. Listings put it at roughly 14% to 17% THC, with very little CBD.
That makes it a reasonable pick if you find newer strains too much, but still start small and wait before having more. The THC and CBD numbers on your label matter more than the strain name, and our guide to reading cannabis labels explains what they mean.
Buying Flo in Canada
Flo is an older strain, so it turns up less often than the big modern names. If you see it, check whether the label says Flo or a newer cross like Gello, since the two are easy to mix up on a menu.
Look at the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date. A fresher package keeps more of that sweet, minty smell.
Flo vs Gello
Gello is Flo's offspring, made by crossing it with Gelato 45. Flo is the older, lighter strain, with an earthy, sweet and minty smell and a clear, focused reputation. Gello adds a sweeter berry and citrus side and usually lists a few points higher in THC, with reports that lean more relaxed. If you want something easygoing and upbeat, start with Flo. If you like sweeter, fruitier strains, Gello is the modern take.
Strains like Flo
If you like Flo, these are worth a look:
- Gello: Flo's offspring with Gelato 45, sweeter and a little stronger.
- Purple Thai: one of its parents, an upbeat sativa with an earthy, chocolate side.
- Blueberry: another DJ Short classic built from Afghani and Thai genetics.
- Afghani: the indica side of its family, heavier and earthier.
