Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a strain that's spawned countless variations and, even after several decades, remains one of the most popular cultivars of all time. Interestingly, this sativa-dominant hybrid delivers average levels of THC, but it's the combination of dreamy effects, berry-like flavors, and straightforward cultivation that keeps growers, new and old, coming back. Keep reading to discover the history, physical characteristics, and potential uses of this classic cannabis strain.

Strain History of Blue Dream

Variations of Blue Dream are available from virtually every reputable seed bank, but it started life as an elusive clone-only variety that is believed to come from the California beach town of Santa Cruz. Although it was popular among a handful of medicinal users, no one knew its exact origins, and it wasn’t until the early 2000s that DJ Short tinkered with the genetic line to create a refined version of Blue Dream.

A High Times Seed Bank Hall of Famer, Daniel John Short, has been experimenting with cannabis plants since 1978. And it was his love for sativa-indica crosses with honey and berry flavors that would give rise to an ancestor of Blue Dream—Blueberry. In fact, the development of Blueberry was not only instrumental in the creation of Blue Dream, but most modern strains with "blue" or "berry" in the name.

Working alongside Blueberry is Haze, another California-based strain, with an uplifting and energizing high—the ideal partner to the intense berry flavors of Blueberry. Together, they've helped to make Blue Dream one of the most popular cannabis strains available today.

Genetic Lineage of Blue Dream

The balanced effects and sweet, berry-like flavors of Blue Dream were only possible because of the synergy between its two parent strains—Blueberry and Haze. Both iconic strains in their own right, each brings a diverse mix of characteristics to the sought-after Blue Dream experience.

Winner of the 2000 High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Indica, Blueberry has an extensive history of use, dating back to the 1970s. Most notably, it played a central role in creating Blue Dream and countless other strains, thanks to the work of DJ Short. And it's through his collaboration with numerous seed banks and breeders that the original Blueberry genetics have spread worldwide, influencing thousands of modern cultivars.

Blueberry's iconic influence is not without just cause. Cannabis enthusiasts favor her sweet, fresh blueberry flavors and endless waves of euphoria. Despite being indica dominant, this strain does an excellent job of balancing THC's physical and cerebral effects, so much so that it's become a favorite among both recreational and medicinal users.

Working alongside Blueberry is Haze, another old-school strain whose origins can be traced back to the same area as Blue Dream—Santa Cruz. Also known as Original Haze or Haze OG, this spicy sativa needs plenty of time to reach maturity, but with the proper care delivers large yields with distinctive hints of citrus. It's also known for its mentally stimulating high and energizing effects.

Physical Characteristics of Blue Dream

The most distinctive characteristic of Blue Dream is the abundant berry-like flavor. A single plant can quickly fill an entire grow room with the sweet aroma of blueberry and forest fruits, alongside the slightest hint of pepper and earth. The blueberry theme continues during flowering, when its tight buds develop deep blue undertones alongside a fine layer of sticky resin.

Overall, Blue Dream’s plant structure is fairly standard for a sativa-dominant hybrid, with plenty of branching and thin leaves. As such, it's best to adopt a form of training, such as sea of green (SOG) or screen of green (ScrOG), early in the plant's vegetative cycle.

However, Blue Dream differs from traditional sativas by staying tight and compact as it enters the flowering stage. Expect plants to flower in 8–10 weeks, with only a slight stretch to manage. Given its size, Blue Dream is not only suitable for smaller grow spaces, but performs well in the hands of less-experienced growers.

Properties and Effects of Blue Dream

Blue Dream is not the most potent strain available today, but the combination of moderate THC levels (18–20%) and a diverse terpene profile makes it a highly sought-after strain. Myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene work alongside the strain's cannabinoid content to deliver a head-focused high that uplifts and energizes the mind. These effects work in tandem with the most commonly reported benefit of Blue Dream—creativity. The strain has become synonymous with boosting creativity among its users and, as such, appeals to a wide range of cannabis enthusiasts, young and old.

Fortunately, users rarely have to worry about the strain's effects becoming too overwhelming, and instead can focus on savoring the flavor. If you do find yourself experiencing some side effects, they should be mild and limited mostly to cases of cotton mouth and dry eyes.

Uses of Blue Dream

Recreational users may opt for Blue Dream in all sorts of scenarios, including, but not limited to, artistic endeavors, chill social sessions, or plain old daydreaming. Medical users tend to appreciate this strain for its ability to boost the mood and inspire creativity, while still soothing the body.

Given the strain's balanced high and desirable flavors, you'll likely want to focus on consumption methods that maximize taste. As such, vaping is the ideal choice. Both portable and desktop vaporizers allow users to adjust the vaping temperature to suit. To maximize flavor and preserve Blue Dream's terpene content, consider vaping at 160–170°C. For users who prefer a more traditional approach, you can try rolling a blunt using organic, unbleached papers. Foregoing any tobacco with your herb ensures you can savor every last hit.

It's also worth noting that Blue Dream is also an excellent candidate for cannabis edibles. The strain's moderate THC content works well as an introduction to the intensity of an edible high versus traditional methods such as smoking or vaping. Still, you need to calculate your dose accordingly and allow time for the edibles to be digested. Even with a mild strain such as Blue Dream, the delayed onset of edibles can easily take first-timers by surprise.

Cultivation and Production of Blue Dream

Regardless of grower skill level, Blue Dream is a robust, hardy, and rewarding strain to cultivate. It responds well to training, but will still produce respectable yields if left entirely to its own devices. The strain is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, although growers that opt for the latter should know that Blue Dream prefers moderate climates with plenty of midday sun. Outdoor growers can expect to harvest in mid-October and, provided conditions are optimal, can achieve up to 500g/plant.

Indoors, the strain is just as easy to manage, needing little maintenance throughout its growth cycle. However, if space is limited, growers may want to top plants early to prevent issues with mold and airflow. Blue Dream is well-suited to both soil and hydro grow-ops, so it's best to stick to the method you’re most comfortable with. The strain's straightforward nature makes it the ideal candidate for beginner growers, while still providing plenty of opportunity for advanced growers to push its yield potential.

Blue Dream: A Strain That Continues to Stand the Test of Time

Blue Dream has earned its place among the most enduring strains in the world of cannabis cultivation. Born from a cross between Blueberry and Haze, its origins trace back to the West Coast of the United States, where it was brought to the masses by skilled cannabis breeder DJ Short. However, what makes Blue Dream so desired is its remarkable balance of sativa and indica genetics, offering users a harmonious experience of cerebral invigoration and a touch of physical relaxation.

Its pleasant aroma, characterized by sweet berries and peppery undertones, further adds to its desirability. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the balanced high continues to captivate cannabis consumers worldwide, solidifying its place as a staple strain in the cannabis community.