Trainwreck is truly a legendary strain that’s familiar to many, but surrounded by myths and storytelling. It become a recognized name across the country in the 1990s, but the locals in Humboldt county will tell you it’s been around since the 1970s.
Where Did the Trainwreck Strain Come From?
Trainwreck is said to be a cross-continental hybrid, crossing an imported lowland Thai sativa with a Mexican x Afghani hybrid that was popular in the region. The Trainwreck strain made its first appearance in Arcata, California with attribution to cannabis advocate and breeder Eric Heimstadt, who originally dubbed it the E-32 cut.
Its popularity flowered out of the Pacific Northwest and Trainwreck quickly became a staple throughout the west coast, easily recognized by its distinct aroma and high terpinolene content. The uplifting effects made it a sought after ‘sativa’ strain in both the early medical and traditional markets that were being dominated by Kushes and other heavy hitting varieties.
The origin story of Trainwreck and its genetic lineage is shrouded in mystery. However, legend has it that the original breeder was bringing the genetics over the border from the mountains of Mexico. This breeder was fatefully on a train that crashed in Northern California on its way to Oregon, dumping some of its cargo onto the surrounding wilderness. Undeterred by the accidental detour, it’s said the genetics took root right there in Humboldt county, where they were later found growing beside the train tracks.
The true origin of Trainwreck’s name more than likely comes from how unique its effects were at the time it was originally introduced to the cannabis subculture. Trainwreck’s unique terpene profile ‘wrecked’ the heads of culture back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. At a time when the cannabis industry in California, Oregon and Washington had been flooded with flowers that were typically felt in the body, there were still strains like Jack Herer which were well known for their terpinolene content and refreshing effects. Trainwreck was known for having a similar terpene profile and cerebral effects, but it added in a body high that was relaxing, but not sedating, which made for a unique hybrid combination of mind and body that was appealing to a wider range of cannabis consumers.
Trainwreck Effects: Indica or Sativa
Trainwreck gained a following for being a hybrid strain that acts as a stimulant but hits both the head and body simultaneously. Genetically a 50/50 indica sativa hybrid, the cerebral, energetic and uplifting.effects from its Mexican and Thai lineage take the conductor role. The other half of its genetics come from a strong Afghani that produces a very quick onset in the body to match its headiness. This combination of refueling the mind while keeping the body calm makes Trainwreck one of the best strains for those looking to set themselves in cruise control and get things done.
It takes you on a clean, roughly 90 minute energetic and almost psychoactive train ride. Trainwreck can ramp up active thought, creative energy, imagination. It has an uplifting energy and a great giggle and laughy effect to it. An excellent choice for those looking for inspiration or to break writer’s block. Trainwreck may also be a perfect strain for those that want to be active and athletic.
For some the effects can be extremely energetic, almost caffeine-like, but without the edge, so it’s perfect for those who need to remain task oriented with a lot of fuel to stay focused. This strain has a low probability for creating anxiety or disassociation, although it can create paranoia in the inexperienced, when consumed in high doses.
It does tend to provide relaxing effects on the body that may help to reduce fatigue and stress, and might even take the edge off of dull aches and pains. While not the best option for those looking for strong body driven effects, it does seem the uplifting effects provide a distraction from pain.
Trainwreck Strain Terpene Profile
The flower structure of Trainwreck typically grows shorter, with a narrow leaf structure. It produces smaller but potent trichome covered nugs. The leaves and flower have a light green tone, speckled with bits of gold as it finishes. Trainwreck has a distinct smell to it, giving off the aroma of lemon and spruce trees and gasoline. Some have even described it as citrus in the mountains. Its flavor can be described as aromatic, earthy, gassy and tart, all credited to its complex and unique terpene profile.
Trainwreck gets its uplifting energetic effects due to its mostly terpinolene dominant terpene profile. Its stimulating effects put the body into check by the higher levels of myrcene that can also be predominant in this strain. Trainwreck can potentially reduce memory impairment from its cerebral effects, due to its pinene content. Its levels of caryophyllene can add spiciness to its flavor, but can also add anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Residual ocimene terpenes can also offer decongestant and expectorant properties that may help clear airways and improve respiration. Regarding THC levels, a purely sativa effects driven Trainwreck typically tests in the high teens, occasionally pushing into the lower 20% range depending on the phenotype along with cultivation, harvest and cure processes.
Trainwreck Strain Grow Info and Seeds
The original Trainwreck can be found only in clone form, but there are options available in seed form below. Trainwreck’s growth structure is known to grow very quickly for a narrow leafed plant. Her flower period finishes at roughly 60 days depending on the phenotype, cultivation process, and growing environment. Trainwreck phenotypes I and II are normally shorter in stature, which makes them a great flower to grow topped and bent over to control height and yield. Trainwreck is a hearty hybrid strain that does well in all settings; indoor, outdoor and greenhouse.
A pure Trainwreck is known for their smaller, yet frosty and more potent flower structures. This results in a lower to medium total yield, which has motivated cultivators to seek proper genetics for crossing with Trainwreck to increase her overall yield. While this potentially alters the unique terpene profile Trainwreck offers, some of the hybrids have kept true to its effects like the more citrusy Lemon Trainwreck or popular grape-toned Purple Trainwreck. Both of these hybrids are prevalent and have origins also in the Pacific Northwest. Similar strains to Trainwreck are Acapulco Gold, Lemon Thai, Orange 43, Outer Space and Snowcap.
One of the industry’s best strain preservationists is Nspecta of Humboldt:CSI and luckily for trainwreck fans, he’s done work with this legendary clone. You can find his work at his website as well as various seed banks like Speakeasy, and Breeder’s Direct.