Great White Shark: The Predator of Pain
Great White Shark: The Predator of Pain
Strain Overview
Alternate Names: Peacemaker, Shark Shock (Mr. Nice version)
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (Often 80% Indica / 20% Sativa in effect despite lineage)
Breeder: Greenhouse Seeds / Mr. Nice (Shantibaba)
Lineage: Super Skunk x White Widow (Brazilian x South Indian)
Market Status: 90s Cannabis Cup Legend (Winner 1997); A foundational "White" strain.
THC Content: 14% – 20% (Classic Potency)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Humulene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: Strong Body Stone, "Creeper" Euphoria, Muscle Numbing, Long-Lasting
In the ocean of cannabis genetics, Great White Shark is an apex predator.
Bursting onto the scene in the late 1990s, this strain was part of the legendary "White" family (along with White Widow and White Rhino) that dominated the Amsterdam coffee shops. Bred by the iconic Shantibaba during his time at Greenhouse Seeds (and later released as Shark Shock under Mr. Nice), Great White Shark was designed to be the ultimate painkiller.
It combines the raw, resinous power of White Widow with the massive yield and skunky punch of Super Skunk. The result is a plant that looks like it has been dipped in frost—white, sticky, and dangerously potent. It won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1997 and remains one of the most respected medicinal strains in history.
History and Lineage: The Amsterdam Supergroup
Great White Shark is a "Super Hybrid" created during the Golden Age of Dutch breeding.
The Mother (Super Skunk): The commercial heavyweight. It brings the yield, the robust structure, and the deep, relaxing physical effects. It ensures the plant is easy to grow and produces heavy colas.
The Father (White Widow): The resin queen. Specifically, a cross of Brazilian Sativa and South Indian Indica. This parent provides the insane trichome coverage and the soaring, euphoric head high that hits before the body stone kicks in.
The Name: It wasn't called Great White Shark because it was aggressive; it was named for the thick coat of white resin that covers the buds, making them look like the white underbelly of a shark. In the medical community, it is sometimes called "Peacemaker" because of its ability to end pain instantly.
Terpene Profile: Floral Fruit and Skunk
Unlike the fuel-heavy strains of today, Great White Shark has a complex, "old school" floral aroma that is surprisingly delicate given its name.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Heavy): The dominant force. It anchors the high in the body and provides a musky, herbal base.
Humulene (The Wood): Adds a distinct woody, earthy note often associated with hops.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Provides a clove-like spiciness that lingers on the tongue.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is pungent but sweet. It smells of sweet fruits, skunk spray, and wildflowers. There is a distinct "tropical" undertone from the Brazilian genetics.
The Smoke: Thick and expanding. It tastes of earth, sweet citrus, and spicy cloves.
Strain Effects: The Shark Bite
Great White Shark is famous for its "Creeper" effect. Do not underestimate it because you don't feel it immediately.
The Experience
The Swim: The high starts slowly. You might feel a mild buzzing in the forehead and a sense of social euphoria (the Sativa influence).
The Bite: About 15 minutes later, the Indica side strikes. A wave of heavy relaxation washes over the body.
The Numbness: This is the strain's signature. It has a profound numbing effect on the limbs and joints.
The Float: You feel weightless and happy. While you are physically stoned, the mind remains relatively clear and introspective. It is a "dreamy" high.
Best For: Lazy Sundays, deep meditation, listening to music, and recovering from injury.
Medical Benefits
Great White Shark is widely considered one of the best pain-management strains ever created.
Chronic Pain: It is the ultimate analgesic. Patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain swear by its numbing properties.
Stress: The euphoric onset clears the mind of worry before the body stone sets in.
Appetite Stimulation: It is a notorious munchie-inducer, excellent for those undergoing treatments that suppress appetite.
Insomnia: While not an instant knockout, the long-lasting relaxation eventually leads to deep, restorative sleep.
Growing Great White Shark: The Frosty Yielder
Growers love this strain because it offers "White" quality with "Skunk" yield.
Growth Structure
The Resin: True to its family, it produces an incredible amount of resin. The sugar leaves are often just as potent as the buds, making it great for hash making.
The Yield: High. Unlike the original White Widow (which can be a moderate yielder), the Super Skunk genetics make this plant chunky and heavy.
The Height: It grows short and stout. It is perfect for SOG (Sea of Green) setups.
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: This strain is a "heavy feeder." It can take high levels of nutrients (EC) without burning. However, be careful with humidity. The buds are very dense and round (like golf balls), making them susceptible to mold if airflow is poor.
Final Verdict: The Predator of Pain
Great White Shark is a legend for a reason. It represents the pinnacle of 90s breeding—taking the most resinous plant available (White Widow) and giving it the production power of a Skunk. It offers a high that is both euphoric and physically crushing, making it a favorite for medical patients who need serious relief. If you are looking for a strain that looks beautiful, yields heavy, and bites hard, it’s time to get in the water with the Shark.
You should choose Great White Shark if:
You suffer from chronic pain (Arthritis/Back pain).
You want to make extracts/hash (High resin).
You are growing in a small space (Short/Bushy).
You enjoy fruity, skunky, and floral flavors.
Score: 9.2/10 (The Medical Powerhouse)