Headband Weed Strain Information & Review

No, “headband” doesn’t refer to headband-wearing hippies at 1960’s pot parties. The Headband strain (also known as Sour Kush or HB) is more recent, and its name describes the type of pressure most users feel around their head after smoking this weed.

Headband’s “headband effect” is very unusual. Once the euphoric and stoney head high hits, strong pressure develops around the forehead and it becomes both numbing and relaxing. Many say it helps to ease headaches and migraines.

Headband’s body buzz then takes over, relaxing users and eventually locking them to the couch. This strain is 60/40 indica/sativa, with relatively-high THC levels.

Headband’s smoke is creamy, smooth, and pungent, smelling and tasting of lemon, earth, and diesel with a little sweetness mixed in. Its effects can last for hours, another reason this strain is so popular.

Effects

It can take a while for Headband to wrap its arms around your head. Some users say they’ve waited as long as 20 minutes before the THC kicks in; you may feel the effects sooner than that, but this is definitely not a quick-hitting strain.

Eventually, you’ll feel the euphoria hit, and chances are good that it may bring with it some brain fog or a generally spaced-out sensation. At the same time, the famed headband tightens around the forehead. It’s not painful or uncomfortable, though. It’s surprisingly calming, tingly, and pleasant, and some people say they feel somewhat energized and comforted at the same time.

Even though this strain is known for the “headband,” its body stone is actually stronger. Deep, mellow relaxation spreads throughout the body and locks most users to the couch after a while. Some may drift off into sleep, while others are able to do some creative thinking or just enjoy the buzz. Headband’s high can last as long as three hours.

The strain’s spacey euphoria, its potential for a body lock, and the possibility of sedative effects make Headband weed that’s best used in the evening. Those with high tolerance levels find it a very social strain, great for smoking with good friends. Some experienced smokers use it during the daytime, but it’s unlikely they’ll be very productive.

Bottom Line: Headband is best known for the ring of pleasant pressure it creates around the user’s head, relieving stress and making many feel spaced out, which makes it a unique cannabis strain. The body stone is even stronger, eventually causing couch lock and delivering possibly-sedating relaxation.

Positive Effects:

• Energy: 2/5
• Creative: 2/5
• Pain: 5/5
• Stress: 4/5
• Sleep: 3/5
• Mood: 4/5

Side Effects

Possible side effects include dry and red eyes and dry throat. Dizziness and headaches are possible when the weed is used to excess. If those effects do hit, they’re likely to be mild (except perhaps in new smokers, or patients with anxiety who might feel their anxiety worsening). If you consider lethargy and the munchies “side effects,” expect those as well.

Negative Effects:

• Paranoid: 2/5
• Dry Mouth: 4/5
• Dry Eyes: 5/5
• Lethargy: 4/5
• Cough: 3/5

Medical Conditions

We’ve already mentioned that headache and migraine sufferers love Headband, saying that the band of pressure provides them with substantial relief. The head high is also valued by those with stress, anxiety, and depression, because of its relaxing and stress-busting effects.

The strong Headband body relaxation makes the strain just as popular among patients dealing with chronic or serious pain. They say the powerful body buzz dramatically eases the muscle and joint tension that’s often the source of their pain. MMJ patients with insomnia use this strain to ease them into sleep, and those with eating disorders use them to boost their appetite.

Flavor and Aroma

Headband is a loud strain. The scent of lemon doesn’t take long to dominate a room, and it’s joined by less-powerful smells that users variously describe as earthy, diesel, or skunky. You’re not going to be able to hide the fact that you’re smoking up.

The taste of Headband is quite similar. Lemon predominates, but it’s not the tart/sour lemon flavor you might expect; it’s creamy, sweet, and delicious. The diesel and earth notes are still present, but they’re more noticeable in this weed’s aftertaste.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

• Earthy: 3/5
• Citrus: 5/5
• Fruity: 1/5
• Spice: 2/5
• Wood: 2/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Headband is a widely-available strain which means that a lot of producers grow it — and the THC levels of the flower available in dispensaries can vary widely as a result, it can have one of the highest THC strains. The nominal average THC content of Headband is 19%, but the bud you buy may come in anywhere from 17%-25%. There’s very little CBD, CBC, or CBG in the strain.

The strong lemon aroma and flavor of Headband make it obvious that there are high levels of terpene limonene in this cannabis strain. Also present: caryophyllene and myrcene (which contribute to the earthiness and/or skunk), camphene, phellandrene, carene, and pinene.

Lineage

The potent effects of Headband aren’t surprising once you learn that its parent strains are two weed all-stars, indica OG Kush and sativa Sour Diesel. Some experts think there may be some Master Kush in there as well. It’s not definitively known who first bred this strain (although some think it was Colorado’s Reserva Privada or Amsterdam’s DNA Genetics).

There are also some claims that Headband was originally a Sour Diesel-Northern Lights cross known as Diesel #1, Daywrecker Diesel, or Underdawg, but there’s nothing to back up that story.

Where to Buy Headband Seeds

Crop King Seeds, Seedsman, Pacific Seed Bank, and Growers Choice Seeds are among the many online vendors who sell feminized Headband seeds. Seedsman also sells standard seeds for this strain, and Crop King Seeds and Pacific Seed bank carry autoflowering versions.

Similar Strains

Limoncello is a good choice if you’re in search of a good “lemon strain” with similar effects. Jedi Kush or Blueberry Haze don’t taste the same as Headband but come a bit closer in terms of their highs.

And of course, the “headband effect” of this strain is unique to Headband.

Headband Strain Review: FAQ

Q: Why do they call the strain Headband?
A: It’s because users feel strong pressure around their forehead after smoking this weed. It’s a calm, and pleasant pressure that may signal a spacey high that’s on the way.

Q: What activities pair well with Headband?
A: Most people find evening activities, whether it’s watching Netflix or hanging out with friends, make the most sense because of the strain’s sedating effects and sometimes-foggy head high.