Lavender strain guide
Lavender is an older indica from Soma Seeds, bred from Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean and Afghani Hawaiian. People know it for a floral, spicy smell, dark purple leaves and a relaxed, sleepy feel. It's also sold as Lavender Kush, and it's a parent of Cotton Candy.
Where does Lavender come from?
Lavender was bred by Soma Seeds, and one strain database also lists it as Soma #10. Two strain databases describe it as a three-way mix of Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean and Afghani Hawaiian. Another database's genetics box shortens that to Afghani and Super Skunk, so you may see both versions.
Either way, it's a Skunk and Afghan family plant, which explains its indica reputation: one strain database puts it around 80% indica. Growers often mention how dark it gets, with deep purple colour and leaves that turn nearly black at the tips. The breeder doesn't give a release year in the sources we found.
What does Lavender smell and taste like?
Most people describe a floral smell, with lavender and violet notes, sitting on top of a spicy, hash-like base. Some batches lean earthy or musky, and some phenotypes bring out more of the skunk side. On the taste, reviewers mention sweet lemon and plum alongside the spice.
You might expect linalool, the terpene often linked to the smell of lavender flowers, but it isn't in the published results. One strain database lists caryophyllene first, then myrcene and pinene. Caryophyllene brings the peppery spice, myrcene an earthy depth and pinene a fresh, piney note.
Lavender effects: what people report
Reports of Lavender lean relaxed and sleepy. People describe a mellow, body-first feel with some tingling, and the breeder itself calls the high mellow enough to lead into sleep. Some reviewers also mention feeling happy, talkative or creative early on.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the most common complaints, and some people mention feeling dizzy.
How strong is Lavender?
Lavender is moderate to high in THC by today's standards. One strain database lists it around 18%, another database's profile shows about 19% and one reviewer's tested sample came in at 21%, all with very little CBD.
That's gentler than many newer strains, but still plenty for a beginner. Start with a small amount and give it time before having more, and check the THC and CBD numbers on your label rather than the strain name.
Buying Lavender in Canada
Read the label closely. Lavender and Lavender Kush usually mean the same Soma strain, but other breeders have released plants with Lavender in the name, and crosses like Lavender Jones are different strains.
You might find it as dried flower or pre-rolls. Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date, since fresher flower keeps more of that floral smell.
Lavender vs Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy is one of Lavender's best-known children, a cross of Lavender and Power Plant. It keeps the floral, lavender side of its parent but adds a sweeter berry candy note, while Lavender itself smells spicier and more hash-like. Both are described as relaxed, though Cotton Candy reads happier and lighter and Lavender more sleepy. Cotton Candy also often lists lower in THC. If you want the spicier original, pick Lavender. If a sweeter, softer take sounds better, try Cotton Candy.
Strains like Lavender
If you like Lavender, these are the closest matches:
- Cotton Candy: its child, with the same floral smell plus a sweet berry candy note.
- Super Skunk: one of its parents, with the skunky, earthy side.
- Afghani: a classic hash plant from the same Afghan family, heavy and earthy.
- Purple Kush: another dark, purple-leaning indica with a relaxed, sleepy reputation.
