jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on January 6, 2023

If you’re a weed aficionado and weed is legal in your country (you may even have a dispensary in your city), weed strains might not be a novelty to you. You may even know which one is best for you, and you already vape it, smoke it, or make edibles from it. If you have tried some of the strains like White widow, Sour diesel, and Blue dream weed you may have heard about Trainwreck.

Trainwreck is a potent mix of Sativa and Indica strains, which can give users a relaxing high as well as an energizing and uplifting feeling. It first appeared around the 1980s in Northern California, and it has gained popularity in recent years. 

Below you will find information about the THC amount in Trainwreck, the effects it can give you when using it recreationally or medicinally, as well as all the positives and side effects of using it. This powerful blend can be used to get you a night of better sleep, you can try it with your friends, or use it medicinally.

Without further ado, let’s get into the whole history and use of the Trainwreck marijuana strain.

Marijuana Strains – Sativa VS Indica

Let’s start with the basics, weed strains. Depending on what strain of marijuana you use, you will get different effects from your weed high. Generally, marijuana strains are broken up into three groups:

  • Indica strains (have a sedating effect and are generally used at night before bed, or while watching TV, or doing other leisure activities).
  • Sativa strains (have an energizing effect and are generally used socially amongst friends and can result in a boost of creativity as well as make you energized).
  • Hybrid strains (are a mix of Sativa and Indica, and their effects vary depending on the amount present of both these strains).

Depending on the chemical ingredients in the strains (terpenes and cannabinoids), there are clear patterns that show why some are sedating while others are energizing. 

Trainwreck Marijuana Strain Review

Trainwreck is a Sativa dominant hybrid, which is a cross between three landrace strains:

  • Mexican Sativa;
  • Thai Sativa;
  • Afghani Indica

Combining these three strains results in a 65% to 35% ratio of Sativa to Indica

Is Trainwreck Weed THC or CBD Dominant?

The THC levels in Trainwreck are about 14-19%, which is about the same THC content as an average strain, although it contains no relevant amount of CBD (<1%). The plant has a thick layer of THC trichomes intertwined with orange and red pistils and has a vine-like structure. It has thin leaves and dense buds full of resin that give a citrus smell when ripened.

Terpenes are responsible for the recognizable aroma of this type of weed. The major terpenes found in Trainwreck are:

  • Beta Myrcene (herbal aroma) 0.627%;
  • Beta Caryophyllene 0.173%;
  • Alpha Humulene 0.061%;
  • Linalool (fruity aroma) 0.033%;
  • Alpha Pinene (pine aroma) 0.018%;
  • Terpinolene.

These terpenes give Trainwreck its famous lemon-lime and pine aroma, topped with a menthol smell and taste (terpenes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer).

General Info and Origin

This cannabis strain is produced in the Emerald Capital – Northern California (the weed capital of the United States), although there are a lot of home-growers that decide to plant it.

Stories concerning the origin of the name “Trainwreck weed” vary one from the other. One gives information about two Californian brothers (from the Arcata region – Humboldt County in Northern California) who had to pull their crop of weed so they wouldn’t be discovered due to a nasty train wreck close by.

Other stories say that the name of the weed comes from the effect it has on users, that it hits the mind like a runaway train.

One thing is for sure, this energizing weed strain with its menthol aftertaste gives users very specific Sativa-dominant effects.

Trainwreck Effects

The light psychoactive effects and body high that Trainwreck gives users are the reason that people want to try this specific hybrid. Since the Sativa strain is more potent in this hybrid blend, it gives users uplifting and creative moments. Although, after the initial high wears off, the Indica will eventually give users couch-lock feelings, together with a calming body buzz, resulting in a sedative experience.

When using this type of weed, recreational users report feeling:

  • Energetic;
  • Euphoric;
  • Happy;
  • Uplifted;
  • Relaxed;
  • Creative.

This hybrid strain is generally used as a way to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, as a way to battle insomnia, and for pain management.

Medical Benefits of Trainwreck

The use of medical marijuana has increased significantly in the last couple of years. Several studies show that Cannabis Sativa can be used medicinally. This particular study, done in 2020 by the Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology in Brazil states how Cannabis can help with diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, asthma, AD, seizures, ischemic stroke, and other conditions. 

Trainwreck, as well as other cannabis strains, can be used medicinally in order to alleviate certain physical pains and ailments like:

  • Chronic pain in the joints;
  • Migraine headaches;
  • Lack of appetite (as a result of treatments or chemotherapy);
  • Muscle spasms.

This type of weed might help individuals that battle depression, stress, and PTSD, although it hasn’t been proven scientifically. People that suffer from anxiety might refrain from using this drug since many users have reported experiences of paranoia and panic attacks while using Trainwreck.

How to Grow Trainwreck?

If you would like to cultivate this strain you could do it both indoors and outdoors. If you decide to grow it indoors, the average flowering time is between 8-10 weeks, whereas if you grow it outdoors it would be ready for harvesting in early or late October (in the Northern hemisphere). Outdoor growing can yield around 25 ounces per plant compared to growing indoors which is 18 ounces per square meter.

This type of strain is of intermediate difficulty for cultivation, and all it needs is sunshine (or artificial lights), hydroponics, and fertile soil. It grows fairly tall and has high resistance towards pests, molds, and other diseases. The perfect climate for this type of weed would be a dry climate, although you shouldn’t cultivate it near the desert, where temperatures drop significantly during the night and the plant can freeze.

One con to this strain is the potential of it becoming hermaphrodite, meaning it can develop both male and female flowers which reduce the quality of the final product, as well as the quantity. It’s important that you react fast and separate these flowers so they don’t spread out and ruin your crop.

What Are the Side Effects of the Trainwreck Strain?

A study done in 2019 by the Knowledge Synthesis Group in Ontario reviews the positive and negative effects that can come from using Cannabis. Because Trainwreck is a hybrid and not pure Sativa or Indica, the most common side effects that users report to have experienced when using it are dry eyes and dry mouth, while others can experience paranoia, anxiety, and dizziness

To prevent dry mouth, users need to hydrate themselves and use eye drops if they experience dry eyes. Since this particular strain is high in THC, people that react negatively to high amounts of THC shouldn’t try it, as well as people who suffer from panic attacks or anxiety. As long as users are careful, they can have a pleasant high with minimal side effects while using this strain.

The Trainwreck Strain in a Nutshell

The Trainwreck strain is a blend of two types of Sativa and one Indica that can boost creativity and relax your body. Its lemon and pine aromas make it recognizable worldwide. 

With its high THC content, it can make you feel euphoric and energetic, as well as give you a good night’s sleep afterward, and that is the reason people decide to use it. Apart from its recreational purposes, Trainwreck can be used for pain relief and pain management, and as a treatment for lack of appetite.

If you decide to grow it, you should know that it is fairly easy for cultivation and can reach harvesting time in 8-10 weeks, although the plant can develop hermaphrodite flowers which should be removed immediately, so the plant can grow normally.
If you plan on giving Trainwreck a try, you should bear in mind that it can have negative side effects on people who suffer from panic attacks or anxiety. The most important thing you need to keep in mind if you decide to try it is to use it responsibly and in moderation in order to avoid the side effects.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.