Few cannabis strains have enjoyed “household name” status like Pineapple Express.  It has gained further recognition due to its namesake association with the 2008 comedy film "Pineapple Express”, which contributed to its mainstream popularity..  In reality, Pineapple Express is a crowd-pleasing cultivar that offers uplifting vibes and soothing body effects, making it easy to understand its longstanding appeal.  So, we gotta take a trip on the Pineapple Express so-to-speak, in order to share everything you could possibly wanna know about it, from its mouthwatering flavor to its distinctive lineage.  This way, you’ll know once and for all, whether or not it’s a strain that you should add to your hemp arsenal.

Starting with the Basics on Pineapple Express

Before we talk about this beloved cultivar’s flavor, buds, and overall effect, we must get into its genetics, which’re worth paying attention to if you have certain specs you look for when strain shopping.  First off, Pineapple Express is a 60% Sativa / 40% Indica strain, so it’s more balanced than a lot of people realize, but it’s often classified as a sativa because its effects lean that way heavily.  It’s also extremely potent, with about 25% THC (and 1% CBN, which is worth noting, as CBN can cause drowsiness and mellowness).  Pineapple Express has unknown parents, as it has been on the market for longer than it has been commonplace for breeders to reveal the lineage of a new strain.

Pineapple Express Aesthetics

Next, let’s quickly discuss the buds in terms of their appearance.  Pineapple Express nugs are known for their fluffy, popcorn-looking appearance, and are quite large and dense.  They’re a vibrant olive-green, with almost golden undertones, and a lopsided shape that’s quite distinctive.  The nugs are also covered in pale orange hairs and a layer of golden trichome crystals.

Its Flavor & Aroma Notes

Not really too surprising that the pineapple vibes are strong with this one.  After all, it’s gotta be named that for a reason, right?  Pineapple Express actually offers quite a compelling flavor and aroma, that people are obsessed with alongside its effects.  You’ll get notes of pineapple that are intriguing and exotic in the aroma, and downright mouthwatering in the flavor.  In both taste and aroma, they’re complemented by notes of freshly picked pine needles, and a hint of aromatic spices along with warm, earthy undertones.  Essentially, these sensory characteristics make it a favorite among users looking for a flavorful cannabis experience.

Growing Pineapple Express

Growing the Pineapple Express strain of cannabis can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires attention to detail and adherence to proper growing techniques.

1. Choose the Right Seeds: Start with high-quality Pineapple Express seeds from a reputable supplier. Make sure they are feminized if you want to avoid male plants.
2. Select a Growing Medium: Pineapple Express can be grown in soil, coco coir, or hydroponic systems. Choose the medium that suits your preferences and experience level.
3. Provide Proper Lighting: Pineapple Express thrives under intense light.

• If growing indoors, consider using high-intensity discharge (HID) lights like HPS or LED grow lights.
• Outdoors, ensure your plants receive plenty of direct sunlight.

4. Maintain Ideal Temperature and Humidity: Pineapple Express prefers temperatures between 68°F -80°F (20°C -27°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Keep humidity levels around 40%-60% during the vegetative stage and lower (around 40%) during flowering to prevent mold and mildew.
5. Control Ventilation and Airflow: Proper air circulation is crucial to prevent issues like mold and pests. Use fans to maintain airflow and install exhaust fans to remove stale air and control temperature and humidity.
6. Provide Nutrients: Use a balanced nutrient solution designed for cannabis during the vegetative stage. During flowering, switch to a bloom-specific nutrient mix with higher phosphorus and potassium levels.
7. Watering: Avoid overwatering, as Pineapple Express prefers slightly drier conditions. Allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
8. Training and Pruning: Consider techniques like topping, low-stress training (LST), or the SCROG (screen of green) method to maximize yields and promote even canopy development.
9. Monitor pH Levels: Keep the pH of your water and nutrient solution within the optimal range of 5.5-6.5 to ensure proper nutrient uptake.
10. Flowering Stage: Pineapple Express has a flowering time of approximately 8-9 weeks. During this stage, be vigilant for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases. Consider supporting heavy buds with stakes or trellises to prevent branches from breaking.
11. Harvesting: Harvest Pineapple Express when the trichomes have turned cloudy or amber, indicating peak potency. Trim away excess leaves and hang the buds to dry in a dark, well-ventilated space with moderate humidity.
12. Curing: Once dried, cure the buds in glass jars for at least two weeks, burping the jars daily to release excess moisture and improve flavor and potency.

Note: Throughout the entire growing process, monitor your plants closely for signs of pests, nutrient deficiencies, or other issues.  Adjust your growing conditions as needed to optimize growth and maximize yield.

Who Will Most Appreciate Pineapple Express?

Pineapple Express is a nice option for anyone who:

• Prefers sativa-heavy hybrids.
• Wants a higher-than-average THC level.
• Is intrigued by notes of pineapple.
• Wants a good daytime strain that won’t interfere with productivity.
• Prefers a mellower high that doesn’t cause couchlock or anxiety.
• Needs a boost of creativity.
• Wants a strain they can socialize with.
• Prefers to partake during the daytime.

All About the High

Let’s get straight to the fun part – what type of ‘high’ can be expected from Pineapple Express.  First off, it’s likely that the high will hit you quickly, but rather than knocking you off your feet, it’ll likely feel like a sudden burst of euphoric energy that gets the mind buzzing and the body feeling warm and tingly.  Pineapple Express is unique in its ability to both stimulate you and calm racing thoughts, as it can make you feel more optimistic, enthusiastic, and motivated about the things you love, while obliterating any negativity that may be lingering in your mind.

Pineapple Express’ creativity-enhancing effects can get you feeling the urge to jot down your thoughts or start doodling, and if you’re enjoying it with friends, expect some really deep conversations, along with fits of giggles.  You will feel focused, with increased awareness and a smile glued to your face, as tension in the body melts away.  This strain is likely to cause couchlock, as the body high is soothing without ever being too heavy.

The Next Time You’re Looking for a Mood Boost or Creative Inspiration, Try Pineapple Express!

If you’re a fan of sativa effects, and you want something that can motivate you, boost your creativity, and make you feel absolutely euphoric for a couple of hours at a time, Pineapple Express is a no-brainer.  Besides that, this strain has remained one of the top sellers of all-time for a reason, while other strains have hit the market at a more dizzying pace than ever before.

Realize Hemp carries Pineapple Express in a vape form, for those users who prefer the convenience of disposables over smoking flower.  Our 4 Gram Disposable Diamond Line brings you the pure, fresh, and flavorful extract of Pineapple Express, along with three cannabinoids that each bring something to the table: THCA diamonds – a pure concentrated form of THCA (which converts into delta 9 THC when vaporized)), delta 8 THC distillate to soothe the mind & body, and THCV to potentiate the other cannabinoids, while introducing uplifting effects.  These cannabinoids elevate Pineapple Express to a whole new level as you get your hemp ‘vape on’.